#BookReview & #AuthorChat with @nancyjcavanaugh @AnnieBookReader @CrossroadReview

Synopsis: From the author of the award-winning This Journal Belongs to Ratchet comes a new kind of journal by a girl on a madcap road trip, featuring a karaoke-loving grandma, a cute boy, and a wild summer of memories that will last a lifetime.

Samantha is not exactly excited to spend what was supposed to be an awesome summer vacation with her grandma all the way in Florida. Or to be testing out her mom's "Dear Me" Journals--writing to her future self just feels weird. But it turns out Gram has some not-so-boring plans up her sleeve...

Gram and her friend Mimi are going to audition for the Seniors Have Got Talent Karaoke Contest!

A road trip in Gram's new Mustang turns into a series of hilarious mishaps that flip Samantha's summer on its head. And to make things more awkward, Brandon, Mimi's totally handsome grandson, is also along for the ride.

It looks like those journals just might be worth keeping after all. Because this summer will be one Samantha will never want to forget.

#BookBlitz: The Black Cup by Alec Lavictorie @LavictoireAlec @RABTBookTours

Middle-Grade Fantasy

Published Date: May 29, 2020

Publisher: INtense Publications LLC

Twelve-year-old Max knows the King wants him dead. Born with his heart outside of his rib cage, Max is abandoned at birth by his father and raised by a kind witch who sacrifices all to keep him safe from the outside world. In time, Max’s father ruthlessly ascends to the throne and becomes the most feared king in history thanks to The Black Cup’s evil powers. When he learns that the baby he abandoned years ago still lives, and is now nearly a man, the King orders his troops to find and kill Max so that his rule will go unchallenged by his own blood. Rather than run away from the danger, Max embarks on a journey toward the city to seek his father and prevent further destruction of the kingdom and its people. That’s where the witch, the King, and Max are set on a collision course. The world they have known, and the lives they have lived, will be changed forever.

#ReleaseBlitz: A Boy Called Preacher by Cheryl Schuermann @RABTBookTours

Middle-Grade Historical Fiction

Release Day: May 16, 2020

Publisher: INtense Publications LLC

Johnny “Preacher” Wilcox never expected to be “man of the farm” at the age of twelve. Faced with a broken tractor, wheat land to plow, and the mysterious disappearance of the farm’s water supply, he must solve a truckload of problems. To top it off, he may lose his best friend, Earl Floyd.

#BookReview: Eight Princesses and a Magic Mirror by Natasha Farrant, Lydia Corry (Illustrator)

Synopsis: Here are eight princesses for the Rebel Girl's generation: bold, empowered, full of curiosity, adventure and determination to be true to themselves. Natasha Farrant's original stories are set in different times all around the world, blending modern and traditional storytelling with glowing full colour illustrations by debut artist Lydia Corry in a glorious gift book.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall... What makes a princess excellent?"

An enchantress flings her magic mirror into our universe. Through the centurys, around the world, reflected in it are princesses who refuse to be pretty, polite or obedient. These girls are fierce, brave and determined to do the rescuing themselves.

The desert princess protects her people from the king with the black and gold banner. The forest princess takes a crocodile for a pet. An island princess explores the high seas. A mountain princess puts kindness above being royal. And in a tower-block in a city, a girl called Princess saves her community garden from the hands of urban developers.

#BookReview: Outlaws (Royal Academy Rebels #2) by @jencalonita

Synopsis: The second installment in a brand-new series from Jen Calonita, set in the world of Fairy Tale Reform School! Not everyone born royal is meant to rule… 

After being banished to the Hollow Woods following their discovery of Headmistress Olivina's secret villainy, a note from an ally urges Devin and her friends to go in search of Red Riding Hood, who they believe can help them figure out what to do next.

Instead, they come across a troupe of fairytale vigilantes, including a former Royal Academy princess, Robin Hood, a pirate named Corden, and more. Alongside their new vigilante friends, Devin and her crew come up with a plan to expose the truth about Olivina to all of Enchantasia, or risk their homeland falling under villainous rule once and for all…

#BookReview: Misfits (Royal Academy Rebels #1) by @JenCalonita

Synopsis: A brand new series from Jen Calonita, set in the world of Fairy Tale Reform School! Not everyone born royal is meant to rule… 

In the magical fairytale kingdom of Enchantasia, becoming a legendary Prince or Princess doesn't happen overnight. Enter Royal Academy, the training ground for the fairytale leaders of tomorrow!

But reluctant-future-princess and new-student Devin has some reservations about RA, especially when it comes to the Headmistress. Olivina seems obsessed with preparing students for possible villain attacks. But when Devin asks when they're going to learn how to actually rule a kingdom, Olivina becomes enraged. Something isn't right with this lady, and what Devin discovers could change the fairytale world forever… 

#BookReview: Cursed (Fairy Tale Reform School #6) by @jencalonita

Synopsis: The evil Rumplestiltskin is planning to cast a curse that will erase Enchantasia as the world knows it, and a fairy prophecy declares that Gilly Cobbler will play a key role. Never one to shy away from adventure, Gilly and her friends embark on an epic, swashbuckling journey to stop Stiltskin from getting the ingredients he needs before it's too late.

Gilly can't help but wonder if it's already too late for her beloved sister, Anna, who's still a member of the villainous Stiltskin Squad, and will seemingly stop at nothing to thwart Gilly and her crew. Only by harnessing the skills she may have inherited from her fairy grandmother can Gilly stop Stiltskin and reunite her family. But with time running out and her fairy skills lying dormant, does Gilly have what it takes to prevent the evil curse and ensure a happily-ever-after for the Cobblers? Or will she lose Enchantasia and her friends forever?

#BookReview: Wished (Fairy Tale Reform School #5) by @jencalonita

Synopsis: The mixed-up fairy tale fun continues in book five of the Fairy Tale Reform School series by award-winning author Jen Calonita! 

With Rumpelstiltskin still on the loose and the citizens of Enchantasia on high alert, things at Fairy Tale Reform School have been a little...stressed. So when Maxine finds an old lamp that turns out to house an overly-enthusiastic genie, she knows exactly what to do; wish for everyone to be happy! But the wish doesn't manifest itself the way she expects…suddenly, ex-villains are singing, trolls and ogres are getting along, and the whole school is more focused on putting on a musical than figuring out how to deal with Rumpelstiltskin. Can Gilly help Maxine break the spell before it's too late?

#BookTour: Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by @thewriteengle @RABTBookTours

Clifton Chase Series, Book 1

Juvenile Fantasy Thriller

Publisher: INtense Publications

Date Published: 4/11/2020

There were plenty of other middle schoolers it could've chosen. Six-hundred and eighty-six, if you didn't count Clifton. The Arrow of Light appeared in his closet then whisked him away to a far-off land, where a dwarf and magical bird led him to two princes. He returned their arrow that he had somehow found and went home to his normal life. But the Arrow of Light had other plans. When Clifton found out that the king locked the princes in Drofflic Tower, he knew he must return to the past to protect the future. Enlisting the help of many mythical creatures and the princes' own sister, he managed to find the reason the Arrow of Light chose him. But magic can be wrong. And history longs to be told.

#BookReview: Switched (Fairy Tale Reform School #4) by @JenCalonita

Synopsis: Reform or relapse?

Things at Fairy Tale Reform School are great. Rumpelstiltskin has been ousted, and everyone is buzzing about the fact that Beauty and Prince Sebastian (aka the Beast) have joined the teaching staff. Everyone, that is, except Gilly, who can't seem to focus on anything but Anna. How is it that her beloved sister somehow went bad and joined up with Rump? And why doesn't anyone seem to care? Sure, the Royal Court says they're working on it, but they've got exactly nothing to show for it.

But when new-kid Jack joins FTRS with tales of his own family being snatched by Rump, Gilly knows she's in good company. Jack wants answers, just like Gilly. And if the Royal Court can't get the job done, then maybe it's time to break some rules...

#BookReview: Tricked (Fairy Tale Reform School #3) by @JenCalonita

Synopsis: Things are changing at Fairy Tale Reform School.

At least, that's what Gilly's heard through the Enchantasia rumor mill. Word is, notorious trickster Rumpelstiltskin has taken over management from Headmistress Flora, and he's locked down the school tighter than the Pied Piper's pants. Not that this news concerns Gilly. She's been released from FTRS and is now suffering through attending Jack of All Trades School, where she gets to learn about different kinds of shoe leather and ways to measure feet. Truly riveting stuff.

But when Gilly's little sister Anna gets whisked off to FTRS thanks to her troublemaking new friends, Hansel and Gretel, Gilly knows she's got to get Anna out of there. There's only one thing to do; make some serious trouble and get thrown back into FTRS.

It's time to out-trick a trickster. 

#ReleaseBlitz: Casey Grimes: The Mostly Invisible Boy by @ajvan @RABTBookTours

Middle-Grade Fantasy

Published Date: 4-25-20

Publisher: INtense Publications LLC

Eleven-year-old Casey Grimes is invisible. Really. When he leaves suburbia and infiltrates a secret forest society, he can finally be seen—but Sylvan Woods hates outsiders as much as it loves killing monsters. As Butcher Beasts invade, his flimsy cover story falls apart, and courage is his only chance to belong.

About the Author

AJ Vanderhorst has had many jobs, including journalist, paramedic, escape artist, and baby whisperer. One time in fifth grade, he built a traffic-stopping fort in a huge oak tree, using only branches and imagination, and slept there for a week.

Now he and his wife live in a woodsy house with their six proteges and a ridiculous number of pets, including a turtle with a taste for human toes. This makes AJ an expert on wild, dangerous things—invisibility spells, butcher beasts, hungry kids, you get the idea.

He is the only author in the world who enjoys pickup basketball and enormous bonfires, preferably not at the same time. He and his family have drawn up several blueprints for their future tree castle. Visit AJ online at ajvanderhorst.com.

#BookReview: You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes: A step-by-step guide for learning to draw cute and colorful manga chibis and critters by Samantha Whitten, Jeannie Lee

Synopsis: You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes shows how to draw in the chibi style using simple steps and easy-to-find art tools. Also included are tips and techniques for designing your own chibi creations!

You can draw more than 50 chibi characters, animals, props, and much more, with the easy, step-by-step art projects in You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes. Learn to draw characters of all ages, clothes and props, fantasy critters, and more. Also included are tips and techniques encouraging you to design your own chibi creations once you are comfortable with the art style. No complicated tools are needed; you can create your own chibi art using just a pencil, pen, markers, and paper.

The book opens with helpful sections on tools and materials, essential drawing techniques, color basics, and an examination of chibi faces and bodies. The step-by-step projects that follow will show you how to draw chibis of all kinds in different poses. Included throughout the book are templates to scan or photocopy and practice on over and over again. In between drawing projects and templates, you will take a closer look at different chibis, their clothes and other props, and how to draw these characters in action. Use these pages to modify the templates to create your own characters. Tips and techniquesfor drawing chibi characters abound in You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes.

Written and illustrated by Samantha Whitten and Jeannie Lee, You Can Draw Manga Chibi Characters, Critters & Scenes is perfect for beginning and intermediate artists, lovers of manga and anime, and more. You will love creating your own chibi characters, critters, and scenes!

#ReleaseBlitz: Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by @thewriteengle @RABTBookTours #Giveaway

Clifton Chase Series, Book 1

Juvenile Fantasy Thriller

Publisher: INtense Publications

Date Published: 4/11/2020

There were plenty of other middle schoolers it could've chosen. Six-hundred and eighty-six, if you didn't count Clifton. The Arrow of Light appeared in his closet then whisked him away to a far-off land, where a dwarf and magical bird led him to two princes. He returned their arrow that he had somehow found and went home to his normal life. But the Arrow of Light had other plans. When Clifton found out that the king locked the princes in Drofflic Tower, he knew he must return to the past to protect the future. Enlisting the help of many mythical creatures and the princes' own sister, he managed to find the reason the Arrow of Light chose him. But magic can be wrong. And history longs to be told.

#NerdBlast: THE STAR DUNES by @truditrueit @JeanBookNerd #Giveaway

Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado at the Explorer Academy, where he and 23 other kids from around the globe are training to become the next generation of great explorers. But in addition to making new friends and attending cool classes, Cruz must also unlock clues to his family’s mysterious past and tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him … and why? Secrets creep out from the shadows and leave Cruz with more questions than answers in this fourth title in the hit series.

A major discovery forces the Explorer Academy into the limelight in The Star Dunes, but Cruz has much more on his mind than 15 minutes of fame. A new face on board the ship brings Cruz's worlds colliding, and someone close to Cruz ends up on the brink of death. En route to Africa to dispense life-saving medications to gorillas, thwart pangolin poachers and capture images of the last known cheetahs in Namibia, Team Cousteau is now down a major player, and Cruz can't help but be preoccupied by the hole in his life. The discovery of his mom's next clue leads him to the most exotic location yet--a vast desert--with no other information to lead the way, while an unlikely ally helps Cruz pursue another piece of the puzzle. Just as things seem like they might turn out alright, Dr. Fanchon Quills has a technological breakthrough which gives Cruz a glimpse into the past and reveals more about his future than he may really want to know.

#AuthorChat with @annastanisz 5pm EST on Instagram!

Join us today at 5pm EST on Instagram for #AuthorChat with Anna Staniszewski and her newest title The Wonder of Wildflowers!! This will be the first chat that our mini reviewer Anarece does!!  So come with your questions!! 

#BookReview: The Wonder of Wildflowers by @annastanisz

Synopsis: Ten-year-old Mira must balance the loyalty she feels towards her family with the desire to be accepted by her new classmates in this powerful coming-of-age story about identity, community, and finding a place to call home.

I’m not like most of my classmates. At least not yet.

My family came to this country when I was five years old, but we’re so close to becoming citizens now. This means we’ll finally be able to use Amber like everyone else. Then I will be as special as the rest of my classmates, the ones who were born here with magic already in their veins.

But most of all, no one will compare me to Daniel anymore. Daniel who doesn’t even try to fit in, who actually seems proud of being an outsider.

Once I take my first sip of Amber, I will be on the inside.

I hope.

#BookReview: The Art of Spiral Drawing: Learn to create spiral art and geometric drawings using pencil, pen, and more by Jonathan Stephen Harris

Synopsis: The Art of Spiral Drawing offers a fresh, modern take on everyone’s favorite childhood toy from the 1960s through today, the Spirograph®. With The Art of Spiral Drawing, no complicated tools are needed, as artists of all skill levels learn to create their own spiral art using little more than paper and a pen or pencil.

Written and illustrated by Jonathan Stephen Harris, the author of the popular The Art of Drawing Optical Illusions, the book opens with helpful sections on tools and materials, perspective, and shading, ensuring that beginning artists know the basics before getting started on the step-by-step projects that follow. Instructions for creating basic shapes, including a triangle, a circle, and a square, progress into more detailed patterns featuring perspective, florals, and more. Instructions are also included for creating a variety of subjects, from flowers to animals, all featuring a spiral pattern as their framework. Artists can even add color to their spiral artwork using the tips featured in the book and simple tools like colored pencils and markers.

Beginning and intermediate artists, doodlers, optical illusionists, and more will love creating their own spiral and geometric art with the help of The Art of Spiral Drawing!

#BookReview: Taylor Before and After by Jennie Englund

Synopsis: In journal entries alternating between two timelines—before and after a tragic accident—this heartfelt coming-of-age story follows the year that changes one girl’s life forever.

Before, Taylor Harper is finally popular, sitting with the cool kids at lunch, and maybe, just maybe, getting invited to the biggest, most exclusive party of the year.

After, no one talks to her.

Before, she’s friends with Brielle Branson, the coolest girl in school.

After, Brielle has become a bully, and Taylor’s her favorite target.

Before, home isn’t perfect, but at least her family is together.

After, Mom won’t get out of bed, Dad won’t stop yelling, and Eli...

Eli’s gone.

Through everything, Taylor has her notebook, a diary of the year that one fatal accident tears her life apart. In entries alternating between the first and second semester of her eighth-grade year, she navigates joy and grief, gain and loss, hope and depression.

How can Taylor pick up the pieces of what used to be her social life? How can her house ever feel like home again after everything that’s happened? And how can she move forward if she can’t stop looking back?

#BookReview: The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow by Emily Ilett

Synopsis: A lyrical, poignant story, beautifully and originally written, about the ripple effects of a loved one's depression and losing and regaining one's sense of self.

On the morning of Gail's birthday, she watches her shadow slip under the kitchen door. She's not surprised it decided to leave. Her dad has gone for good. Her big sister Kay, once Gail's best friend, has disappeared into sadness – and now her shadow has left too.

Determined to make things right, Gail chases after the shadows. But her adventures take her to unexpected places and Gail discovers that where there are shadows, there's darkness, and she's not the only one looking for something missing...

In a world of light and shadow, despair and hope sit side by side. Can Gail recover what the sisters have lost?

A lyrical, immersive, and luminous tale of sisterhood, The Girl Who Lost Her Shadow tells of bravery, the power of friendship, and being strong enough to ask for help when we really need it. Emily Ilett, winner of the 2017 Kelpies Prize, is an arresting, vital new voice in children's literature.