Book Blitz for
This is Not a Werewolf Story
By Sandra Evans
This Middle Grade Fantasy is perfect for Halloween! Full of fun and mystery, and set at a boarding school where everything isn't quite as it seems. Read the excerpt and enter the giveaway below...
 This is Not a Werewolf Storyby Sandra Evans Middle Grade Fantasy Hardcover & ebook, 352 pages July 26th 2016 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One Of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the jerk of a gym teacher.
Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous phenomenon that allows him to go home, too. But the woods have secrets . . . and so does Raul. When a new kid arrives at school, they may not stay secret for long.
Excerpt
Chapter 1
This is the chapter where the new kid runs so fast, Raul decides to talk
New kid. New kid. The words fly around the showers and sinks. I can almost see them, flying up like chickadees startled from the holly tree in the woods.
All the boys are in the big bathroom on the second floor, washing up before breakfast. The littlest kids stand on tiptoe to peek out the windows that look onto the circle driveway.
I pick Sparrow up and hold him so he can see. He’s the littlest of the littles but the kid is dense--like a ton of bricks.
I can’t believe my eyes. No kid has ever come to the school on the back of a Harley. Not in all the years I’ve been here, and I’ve been here longer than anyone. The driver spins the back wheel and a bunch of gravel flies up.
The new kid is holding onto the waist of the driver. He must have a pretty good grip because the driver looks over his shoulder and tries to peel the kid’s fingers away one by one. Then the driver takes off his helmet. We all gasp, because it turns out the driver is a lady with long straight black hair.
Next to me Mean Jack whistles. “What a doll!”
Mean Jack thinks he’s a mobster. A made man, that’s what he calls himself. I call him a numbskull, but not out loud.
About the Author
Sandra Evans is a writer and teacher from the Pacific Northwest. Her forthcoming middle grade novel, This is Not a Werewolf Story (Simon & Schuster July 2016), was inspired by her favorite 12th century French tale, Bisclavret, by Marie de France. Born in Washington state, Sandra spent her childhood on U.S. Navy bases from Florida to Hawaii, and returned to the Northwest as a teenager. Since then, she has lived and traveled in France and Europe, but has never strayed far for long from the Puget Sound region.
Blitz Giveaway
2 winners will receive a print copy of THIS IS NOT A WEREWOLF STORY plus Swag
Open to UK and US entrants
Ends October 31st
7th Grade Revolution Blast
10/25/2017
 7th Grade Revolution by Liana Gardner WHEN UNEARTHING A NATIONAL TREASURE BECOMES A NATIONAL INCIDENT Dennis Alexander: Washington Academy Middle School promises to be another in the long line of boring schools he has been expelled from. Rhonda Snodgrass: Although trained from childhood in survival tactics, she tries to stay off the radar of the “cool” kids who think she’s weird. 7th grade turns out to be anything but normal when teachers announce the students’ bloodless revolution succeeded and they are now in charge. After conducting a secret-ballot vote on policy, the 7th graders emerge to find the school evacuated and the FBI lurking outside with the task of unearthing a treasure of national importance. The students’ mission is clear—discover the treasure before the FBI locks down the building. Dennis and Rhonda lead the revolt and must work together to follow century-old clues left by a crazy Revolutionary War buff. To stay one step ahead of the FBI, they must delve into history and amass an arsenal to defend their school … because this is WAR!  Praise for 7th Grade Revolution “… a thrilling and engrossing ride through past and present based on real events in North Carolina. Trust me, you won’t want to put it down.” ~Tracy Riva, Midwest Book Review “… a stunning new Middle Grade novel that is part historical fiction, part action adventure mystery, and all around fun. Featuring a cast of wacky, interesting kids I was hooked on page one and enjoyed every twist and turn of the creative plot. Gardner is a writer to watch.” ~Dan Elish, Award-Winning Author of BORN TOO SHORT: The Confessions of an Eighth-Grade Basket Case “… an exciting, smartly written book filled with adventure, intrigue, and history in a modern school setting. Luke Spooner’s accompanying art is simply spot on.” ~Mercedes M. Yardley, Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author of Little Dead Red “… the book held me captive from beginning to end. You captured the middle school mind perfectly, showing their insecurities as well as the amazing strength that is just below the surface. Bravo!” ~ Karen Rectanus, Exploris Middle School 
Excerpt As the FBI took their first steps toward the school, Dennis held his arm out. “Steady.” After about five steps, he lit a rag hanging out of the first cocktail, let the flame grow and lobbed it over the rail, away from the FBI agents, but close enough to catch their attention. He raised his head over the banister and watched as the bottle exploded into a fireball. The FBI agents jumped and rolled away from the bomb. Dennis didn’t see them being thrown, but following his cocktail, a handful of garbage bombs sailed through the air, exploding in flight. The garbage spewed, and a banana peel and what looked like eggshells splattered the biggest bureau member and the goop slid down his face. Dennis snickered. Banana-peel-head reached for his radio. “We’re under attack. Request revised orders stat.” So the big guy was Gravel-man. One of the pumpkins blew, adding pumpkin seeds and the rest of the pumpkin brains to the garbage already covering him. The stem and part of the pumpkin top twirled through the air toward Gravel-man’s head. He ducked to keep it from hitting him. Dennis’s crew waited for his signal. The plan involved waiting to see how the FBI handled the first strike. Their crews had ammo, but not for long. If the FBI started to move in again, Rhonda would pelt out a few more garbage bombs, and if they kept coming his crew would launch more firebombs. The FBI backed off, waiting on orders, and he ducked when an agent pulled out binoculars to scan the building. * * * Rhonda flattened against the wall to hide from the binoculars. That—was—awesome. What was the penalty for sliming an FBI agent? She pressed a hand over her mouth to keep a giggle from coming out. The surprise on Gravel-man’s face when the garbage had hit him followed by the pumpkin exploding—priceless. The agents had retreated out of bomb range to get additional orders.  Author Liana Gardner Liana Gardner is the two-time teen choice award-winning author of the Misfit McCabe series. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana Gardner combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Born in Seattle, WA and raised in southern California, Liana is definitely a west coast girl, but loves to travel. She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits. Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.”
 $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/12/17 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.
A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star (Rwendigo Tales #3) by J. A. Myhre -- Book Tour Review
10/25/2017
About the Book Follow along with thirteen-year-old Kusiima in the third book of J.A. Myhre’s The Rwendigo Tales. Just thirteen years old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima’s life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest. In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where? With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship? Readers of all ages won’t want to put down this exciting book that addresses current realities like AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental destruction, all set in a richly detailed African adventure story. Following along as Kusiima makes his decisions, readers will find themselves considering their own choices and growing in empathy for others. This action-packed tale of a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is also a clear call to give up bitterness and forgive deep hurts, restoring broken lives and relationships. About the Author J. A. Myhre serves as a doctor with Serge in East Africa where she has worked for over two decades. She is passionate about health care for the poor, training local doctors and nurses, promoting childhood nutrition and development, and being the hands of Jesus in the hardest places. She is married to her best friend and colleague Scott, and together they have raised four children for whom many of her stories were written as Christmas presents. ReviewBook three in the Rwendigo Tales series, A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star by J.A. Myhre is a fun adventure read for kids. From page one, Myhre brings to life the many delightful characters with excellent and captivating story telling. The rich culture of Africa as well as the beautiful and imaginative fantasy world brought to life in the book are both interesting and enchanting. Young readers will not want to miss or put down this delightful and charming African fantasy tale! Genre: children’s, fantasy, cultural, Africa, Christian Publisher: New Growth Press Publication date: September 18, 2017 Number of pages: 144 A review copy of this book was provided by the LitFuse. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  A is for Adam by Heidi Poelman illustrated by Maggie Coburn -- Book Tour Review + Giveaway
10/24/2017
About the Book
Bring your favorite scriptural heroes to life with this fun family ABC book! Discover the amazing men and women God inspired to do great things in His name, from A for Adam to Z for Zacharias. Colorful and entertaining, this book is the perfect way to teach alphabet letters and Bible lessons at the same time!
About the Author and Illustrator
Heidi Poelman is the author of A is for Abinadi: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes, A Mother’s Greatest Gift, The Two-Minute Marriage Project: Simple Secrets for Staying in Love, and the upcoming books, I Can Love Like Jesus and A Is for Adam: An Alphabet Book of Scripture Heroes. Heidi received her degrees in communication from Brigham Young University (BA) and Wake Forest University (MA). She lives in Utah with her husband and three children.
Maggie Coburn loves drawing and storytelling. She has her BA in anthropology fromUC Santa Cruz (where she discovered the amazing art form that is scientific illustration), and her MFA in traditional illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She lives with her husband and son in California. Author Residence: Sandy, UT; Illustrator Residence: Encinco, CA Review
A for Adam: an Alphabet Book of Bible Heroes by Heidi Poelman and illustrated by Maggie Coburn is a fun and beautiful book that is great for teaching children the gospel. The pictures are charming, bright, and colorful helping to bring to life the story of each bible hero. This alphabet book is great for reading and teaching children at home, as well as could be a good Primary lesson prop. Young readers will thoroughly enjoy this book.
Genre: children’s, fiction, picture book, LDS Publisher: Cedar Fort Publishing Publication date: October 10, 2017 Number of pages: 32 A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Giveaway
Book Blitz for
This is Not a Werewolf Story
By Sandra Evans
This Middle Grade Fantasy is perfect for Halloween! Full of fun and mystery, and set at a boarding school where everything isn't quite as it seems. Read the excerpt and enter the giveaway below...
This is Not a Werewolf Storyby Sandra Evans Middle Grade Fantasy Hardcover & ebook, 352 pages July 26th 2016 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
This is the story of Raul, a boy of few words, fewer friends, and almost no family. He is a loner—but he isn’t lonely. All week long he looks after the younger boys at One Of Our Kind Boarding School while dodging the barbs of terrible Tuffman, the jerk of a gym teacher.
Like every other kid in the world, he longs for Fridays, but not for the usual reasons. As soon as the other students go home for the weekend, Raul makes his way to a lighthouse deep in the heart of the woods. There he waits for sunset—and the mysterious, marvelous phenomenon that allows him to go home, too. But the woods have secrets . . . and so does Raul. When a new kid arrives at school, they may not stay secret for long.
Excerpt
Chapter 1
This is the chapter where the new kid runs so fast, Raul decides to talk
New kid. New kid. The words fly around the showers and sinks. I can almost see them, flying up like chickadees startled from the holly tree in the woods.
All the boys are in the big bathroom on the second floor, washing up before breakfast. The littlest kids stand on tiptoe to peek out the windows that look onto the circle driveway.
I pick Sparrow up and hold him so he can see. He’s the littlest of the littles but the kid is dense--like a ton of bricks.
I can’t believe my eyes. No kid has ever come to the school on the back of a Harley. Not in all the years I’ve been here, and I’ve been here longer than anyone. The driver spins the back wheel and a bunch of gravel flies up.
The new kid is holding onto the waist of the driver. He must have a pretty good grip because the driver looks over his shoulder and tries to peel the kid’s fingers away one by one. Then the driver takes off his helmet. We all gasp, because it turns out the driver is a lady with long straight black hair.
Next to me Mean Jack whistles. “What a doll!”
Mean Jack thinks he’s a mobster. A made man, that’s what he calls himself. I call him a numbskull, but not out loud.
About the Author
Sandra Evans is a writer and teacher from the Pacific Northwest. Her forthcoming middle grade novel, This is Not a Werewolf Story (Simon & Schuster July 2016), was inspired by her favorite 12th century French tale, Bisclavret, by Marie de France. Born in Washington state, Sandra spent her childhood on U.S. Navy bases from Florida to Hawaii, and returned to the Northwest as a teenager. Since then, she has lived and traveled in France and Europe, but has never strayed far for long from the Puget Sound region.
Blitz Giveaway
2 winners will receive a print copy of THIS IS NOT A WEREWOLF STORY plus Swag
Open to UK and US entrants
Ends October 31st
 About the Book Maddie is a normal twelve-year-old girl. Well, except for the fake mustaches she carries in her pocket. She likes to make people laugh and slapping on a mustache, especially a fuzzy pink or neon green one, always gets a smile. Maddie hopes that the class queen, Cassie, will find her mustaches as funny as she does and want to play with her at recess. She's been self-conscious lately because her right arm only feels normal when it's curled against her chest and she's constantly tripping over her feet. But that's probably just part of growing up and not something weird, right? When Maddie's arm continues to bother her, her parents take her to a doctor who gives them a shocking diagnosis: the cause of the abnormal behavior of her limbs is a brain tumor and she must have surgery to remove it. She's understandably afraid as he describes the procedure, but knows she must find a way to be brave and must face her fears--all of them--at the hospital, at home and at school. She will need all of her courage not only to face her illness, but also to face Cassie at school. Both Cassie and Maddie are auditioning for the same role in the school play, but when Cassie accuses Maddie of lying about her tumor in order to get attention, Cassie's bossiness turns into bullying. And as Maddie's surgery approaches, she begins to worry more and more about the outcome. What if something goes wrong? What if the doctors don't get all the tumor out of her brain? What will happen to her family? What will happen to her? It will take all of Maddie's vibrant imagination, a lot of kindness-both given and received-and of course, the perfect mustache to overcome the tough stuff ahead of her. About the AuthorsChad Morris Chad Morris grew up wanting to become a professional basketball player or a rock star. (Inspired by Animal from the Muppets, he’s been banging on drums since he was eight years old.) After high school, he wrote and performed sketch comedy while going to college, and eventually he became a teacher and a curriculum writer. He lives in Utah with his wife and five kids. Chad would love to teach at Cragbridge Hall Shelly Brown Unlike Tiffany and Justin in this story, Shelly Brown hasn’t seen any ghosts. But she has seen lots of movies, traveled to different countries, read hundreds of books, acted in oodles of plays, and made thousands of friends. She has worked as a comedian, a tour guide, and a shake-maker, but is currently a substitute teacher for some of the coolest kids ever. In her spare time she helps her husband, author Chad Morris, write awesome children’s books. Shelly also loves a little spooky in her life. When she was twelve-years-old, she kept her Friday nights open to watch the newest X-Files episode. Every Friday. With the lights off to make it extra creepy. Now she’s married and has five kids and three chickens. And occasionally, she jumps out and scares them. Well, not the chickens. ReviewAuthors Chad Morris and Shelly Brown have come together and written a beautiful realistic fiction story for kids. It is about the hardships of fitting in at school, including trying to make friends. It is also about the struggle a family’s struggle of dealing with a daughter’s unexpected brain tumor. This novel not only shows the pain and the struggles, but also finding joy in the hard times. A fun family friendly novel, this story is beautifully written and inspirational; readers will absolutely not want to put it down. It is one that not only young readers, but adults will love and learn from page one.
Genre: children’s, middle grade, young adult, contemporary, realistic fiction Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publication date: October 3, 2017 Number of pages: 256 A review copy of this novel was provided by Shadow Mountain Publishing. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Professor Ladybug Blast
10/18/2017
 Professor Ladybug Teaches Alphabet Animals Practicing the alphabet is fun when your child can do it learning about animals! This workbook contains over two hundred practice pages, easy-to-follow instructions, and lots of bonus games and activities. Educational exercises include:
  Praise for the Book Professor Ladybug workbooks are wonderful for young children... Engaging them to learn, think, write, create, and draw. I love it. Creative with a great page layout. Certificates in the back to award to the children upon completing their learning tasks. I wish children's workbooks were more like this one when I was little. Overall, I highly recommend this one to both teachers and parents alike. ~Danielle Urban, Urban Book Reviews 
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/8/17 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. a Rafflecopter giveaway
About the Book
Do you like smearing your lunch all over yourself? Do you fight with your sister just because she's there? Do you find yourself unable to go to bed because mysterious ninjas keep stealing your pajamas? Then you're a little monster! Guess what: Mom can be a monster too! It's up to you to make your mom's monster come out to play . . .
About the Author
Aurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired girl in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Today, she has completed Bloodmark, Bloodrealms, and Bloodmoon of the Bloodmark Saga trilogy, Mama's Knight: A Cancer Story of Love, and How to Turn Your Mom into a Monster. She's a national award-winning graphic designer in her day job. Aurora lives with her family in Minnesota.
Review
How to Turn Your Mom into a Monster by Aurora Whittet is a colorful and charming book that kids will thoroughly enjoy! This story is both fun and entertaining, with its funny and delightful monster story, as well as engaging and cute colorful pictures, young readers will appreciate this wonderful picture book. It is one that could be used for story time at a library as well. Whittett has created a story that booklovers will want to read again and again.
Genre: children’s, fiction, picture book Publisher: Wise Ink Publishing Publication date: October 2, 2017 Number of pages: 40 A review copy of this book was provided by iRead Book Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. Giveaway
Prizes: Win a print copy of How to Turn Your Mom Into a Monster, along with temporary tattoos, stickers and bookmarks (open to USA & Canada only) 5 winners total
Tour Schedule
Oct 16 - Ginger Mom & the Kindle Quest - review
Oct 17 - Singing Librarian Books - review / giveaway Oct 18 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway Oct 19 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway Oct 19 - Hall Ways Blog - review / giveaway Oct 20 - Crossroad Reviews - review / giveaway Oct 23 - Seasons of Opportunities - review / giveaway Oct 23 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway Oct 24 - Pause for Tales - review Oct 24 - Bookworm for Kids - review / interview / giveaway Oct 25 - Stranded in Chaos - review Oct 26 - KC Beanie Boos Collection - review / interview / giveaway Oct 27 - One Frugal Girl - review / giveaway 
About the Book
Get ready to shine a spotlight on the Holy Ghost! This unique picture book shares everyday situations and simple stories that teach children how to recognize the influence of the Spirit. When you shine a flashlight through the illustrated pages, you can discover how the Holy Ghost protects, comforts, directs, and witnesses of true gospel principles. A fun and illuminating book the whole family will love!
GOODREADS | AMAZON | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | BOOKS & THINGS
About the Author
Catherine Christensen graduated magna cum laude from BYU with a degree in English and editing. She worked in her dream job acquiring and editing books before switching to her other dream job of full-time mother. She is a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom and has lived most of her life in England. She currently resides in Springville, Utah, with her husband and daughter. Catherine is the author of I Can Pray Everyday, Emily’s Perfect Christmas Tree, Blessing the Nephite Children, and The Holy Ghost.
About the Illustrator
Rebecca Sorge loves telling stories and drawing pictures so becoming an illustrator made perfect sense. She currently lives and works in Utah, creating art for children’s books, magazines, posters, cards, and anything else people will let her draw on.
Review
Author Catherine Christensen and illustrator Rebecca Sorge had come together and brought to life the idea, feeling, and influence of the Holy Ghost. With brightly colored pictures, hold a light to the page interaction, and descriptive text to go along, this book is an excellent resource to teach young children about the Holy Ghost and the inspiring influence He has on everyone, including young children.
Genre: children’s, religion, LDS, Christian Publisher: Cedar Fort Publication date: September, 2017 Number of pages: 32 Category: Preschool – 2 (4-7 years) A review copy of this novel was provided by Cedar Fort. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my ow Giveaway |
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