Posts Tagged ‘middle grade’

The Pups & Purrs Series by Sonny Weber ~ Reviews and Giveaway

Posted: November 15, 2022 in giveaways, middle grade, reviews
Tags: , ,
2

 Book Series Details:

​
PUPS & PURRS SERIES by Sunny Weber
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12)
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:  Oct 6, 2017, Aug 8, 2019, August 23, 2019,
Content Rating: G

Book Series Description:

Mission: Humane education through storytelling.

Each book in the Pups & Purrs series features Classic Coming of Age stories with multi-layered themes and messages for a wide variety of readers.

Ages 7-10 will enjoy the surface of the stories; ages 10-13 will begin to see the messages; ages 13 and up will begin to identify with the deeper themes.
​
Each book reflects issues children experience and the animal characters give voice to emotions that children often cannot.

The main goals of the series are:
​To Help children who have difficulty verbalizing their life stresses but who can identify with animals. The animal characters experience the same issues: e.g.:  social isolation; personal identity conflicts; bullying; rejection; lack of power; decision-making; growing up challenges.
To Provide humane education for children: teaching what animals need; to develop empathy; seeking to see the world through animal eyes; assisting in the early development of altruism.
A major goal is to turn potential animal abusers around–avoiding the inevitable escalation to violence against people. Children begin abusing animals when they are abused, or see abuse modeled in the adults around them. The P&P series seeks to give children more constructive options through humane awareness of animals as sentient beings.
To Teach through storytelling and entertainment: by encouraging reading by featuring colorful characters and engrossing stories.
To Develop early problem-solving abilities/analytical thinking:  the animal characters show how to set goals and develop step-by-step accomplishments to attain those goals. They face the consequences of their decisions and grow in personal responsibility.
To Promote the humane treatment of all creatures and the environment by furnishing tools for parents, teachers, counselors, and humane educators at home, school, in therapeutic settings, and at animal rescue environments.
Buy the Series:
Amazon.com​

(more…)

Haven Jacobs Saves The by Planet by Barbara Dee ~ Book Blast and Giveaway

Posted: November 14, 2022 in giveaways, middle grade
Tags: ,
0

ASIN: B09RX41PKP
Publisher: Aladdin (September 27, 2022)
Publication date: September 27, 2022
Language: English

 

Praise for HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET

“A powerful depiction of the impact of climate change on a young activist’s mental health.” —Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs can’t stop thinking about the climate crisis. In fact, her anxiety about the state of the planet is starting to interfere with her schoolwork, her friendships, even her sleep. She can’t stop wondering why grownups aren’t even trying to solve the earth’s problem—and if there’s anything meaningful that she, as a seventh grader, can contribute.

When Haven’s social studies teacher urges her to find a specific, manageable way to make a difference to the planet, Haven focuses on the annual science class project at the local Belmont River, where her class will take samples of the water to analyze. Students have been doing the project for years, and her older brother tells her that his favorite part was studying and catching frogs.

But when Haven and her classmates get to the river, there’s no sign of frogs or other wildlife—but there is ample evidence of pollution. The only thing that’s changed by the river is the opening of Gemba, the new factory where Haven’s dad works. It doesn’t take much investigation before Haven is convinced Gemba is behind the slow pollution of the river.

She’s determined to expose Gemba and force them to clean up their act. But when it becomes clear taking action might put her dad’s job—and some friendships—in jeopardy, Haven must decide how far she’s willing to go.

You can purchase Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet at the following Retailers:
       
Photo Credit: Carolyn Simpson

Barbara Dee is the author of twelve middle grade novels including Violets Are Blue, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

  Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template      

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Sophia Freeman Series by T.X. Troan ~ A Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 18, 2022 in Fantasy, giveaways, middle grade
Tags: , ,
20

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Sophia Freeman Series organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author T.X. Troan will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Sophia Freeman Series

by T.X. Troan

Sophia Freeman And The Mysterious Fountain

Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain (Book 1) by [T.X. Troan]

EARTH AWAKENED … SEED PLANTED … PATH REVEALED.

What begins as a special trip for eleven-year-old Sophia Freeman and her father, leaves her trapped on a mysterious island with a tree boy and fantastical creatures. Later, she learns she is dying from an eternal curse and the only way to prolong her life is to drink the island’s sacred water. Can Sophia and her companions reach the fountain and defeat the guardian before time runs out?

Sophia Freeman And The Gate Of Jade

Sophia Freeman and the Gate of Jade (Book 2) by [T.X. Troan]

THEY MUST RISK IT ALL TO REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM … OR BE SEALED AWAY FOREVER.

Sophia Freeman and her best friend, Tim Charnal, must beat all contestants in a three-round Beyond Event organized by the mighty arbiters to free him from the penalty of murder and gain the islanders’ trust. Entering the hologram and surviving environments filled with everything from hammer-throwing cave giants to a slimy tentacled sea monster, they will need all their courage, wits, and skills. But how are they going to win when magic is forbidden?

Sophia Freeman And The Era Of Darkness

Sophia Freeman and the Era of Darkness (Book 3) by [T.X. Troan]

EVIL RISING … ISLANDERS MISSING … AND FRIENDS BETRAYING.

With the increase in deaths of Pandilone Islanders, the arbiters devise a strategy to free the god demon within five days to lift the Eternal Curse. All goes as planned until iron-masked creatures kidnap magic users, weakening the army. To gain reinforcements, Sophia Freeman, Tim Charnal, and rescued Allen Chan must gather all six items to cast the Dream Spell, connecting them with Sophia’s father and his air force. But how can the trio succeed in time while surrounded by enemies and traitors aiming to stop them at any cost?

 

 
 
 

Read an Excerpt from SOPHIA FREEMAN AND THE ERA OF DARKNESS (book 3)

 

Another flaming whip slashed between Sophia and Tim, and they swiftly dodged it. Who could possibly be using Dark Art spells? They looked over and saw Allen’s smoking wand in one hand and Sophia’s scroll in the other.

“S-sorry, guys—I got curious,” said Allen, trembling.

Tim roared, “Curious? You’re not supposed to—”

Sophia raised her hand like Dad did to her, to silence him.

“Allen, can I have my scroll back?” she asked calmly, easing toward him.

Staring at it, he said, “Um … yeah,” and handed it to her.

“Did you hurt yourself?” Sophia asked. “Do you feel any different?”

“I’m fine—actually, I feel good,” said Allen, with a tiny grin.

“Interesting—could you show us how you did that spell?”

Allen gave her a puzzled look. “You mean I’m not in deep trouble? Uh … sure.” He shifted into the attack position and shut his eyes.

“Sophia, I don’t understand—why are you wasting our time?” Tim demanded.

“Shh … Mona was right—you should really work on your temper.” She kept staring at Allen without blinking. “Just watch.”

A moment later, a strong gust howled past them as his wand lit up.

“Allen, break that tall boulder with roots wrapped around it!” Sophia shouted.

He struck with an aggressive roar. “HELLFIRE LASH!” The third flaming whip was unleashed, and it was much bigger than the previous two. It struck directly at the target.

KABOOM!

The spell left a hole through the boulder the size of Allen’s fist.

“Wow, that was impressive,” Tim mumbled.

Sophia handed him the scroll and turned to Allen. “Do you feel any different this time?”

Admiring his wand, he said, “Yes, I felt … confident. Something I didn’t think was possible.”

I get it—he’s attracted to Dark Art spells! At that instant, an absurd idea came to her mind.

About Author Thuan Doan:

Thuan Doan was born in Indonesia, and grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

Thuan has been fascinated by art from a young age, especially fantasy. He would wake up hours before school, sit outside the classroom, and scribble in his sketch book.

After college, he worked on a series of jobs, including: an advergaming association as a storyboard/concept artist, gaming company as lead concept artist, and graphic designer for various clients.

Thuan conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet. 4 years later, the story is complete. While book 1, 2 and 3 are being shared with the world, he’s writing and illustrating book 4 of the Sophia Freeman series.

Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents’ names.

“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”

T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs and school of fish!

AWARDS

★ Entrada Publishing Incipere Award, 2020
★ Readers’ Favorite 5 star Badge, 2019, 2021 and 2022
★ Literary Titan Badge, 2020

Website
Facebook

Instagram

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Walmart

IndieBound

Book Depository

 

Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

 

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Ghost Hunters Series by Susan McCauley

Posted: October 2, 2022 in giveaways, middle grade, Mystery, Paranormal or fantasy
Tags: , , ,
4
.
.

.

Bones In the Wall

Ghost Hunters Book 1

by Susan McCauley

Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery

.

Twelve-year-old Alex may have lost his ability to play sports, but he gained the ability to see ghosts. Now he must figure out how to put a malevolent spirit to rest — or die trying.

Once an athlete and popular kid, Alex is in a terrible car accident that severely injures his hip and leaves him with a rare power: he can hear and see ghosts. All Alex wants is to be normal. But when a vicious spirit begins haunting him, Alex must accept his unwanted psychic powers and work with his best friend and his paranormal investigator cousin to solve the mystery of bones in the wall and put the ghosts in the house to rest. If he fails, he’ll lose his family and friends to a gruesome fate.

Ghost Hunters: Bones in the Wall is the first novel in the heart-pounding Ghost Hunters middle-grade horror series.

PRAISE FOR GHOST HUNTERS: BONES IN THE WALL:

“Young readers should find themselves deeply engrossed. . . (an) absorbing supernatural tale of change and coping.” – Kirkus Reviews

“McCauley puts forth a fascinating premise that will captivate readers. . . a creative and highly original new work. . .”
– BookLife Prize

“Unique and imaginative, Ghost Hunters: Bones in the Wall blends middle grade angst with a big helping of the heebie jeebies. A sure hit for fans of R.L. Stine.” – James R. Hannibal, award-winning author of The Lost Property Office

“An inventive, fast-paced tale brimming with chills, thrills, and heart. Perfect for fans of Lockwood & Co.”– Henry H. Neff, author of The Tapestry series

**On Sale for Only $1.99 September 13th – 19th!!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

.

.

Pirate’s Curse

Ghost Hunters Book 2

.

In this ghostly and fast-paced adventure, twelve-year-old Alex must use his psychic gifts to speak with pirate ghosts to solve the curse of an old pirate hangout—if he fails, his best friends could be trapped there forever.

Ghosts are commonplace in this dark and exciting world, and the psychics who deal with “the Problem” are rare. Apprentice psychic investigator Alex and his two best friends embark on their first solo case to discover who’s haunting an old New Orleans pub. They battle ferocious winds, driving rain, and raging spirits to put a pirates’ curse to rest.

Ghost Hunters: Pirates’ Curse (Book 2 in the Ghost Hunters series) is filled with rich characters, spooky moments, and lots of action-packed fun. Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Stroud, and Stranger Things.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

.

Spirit Fire

Ghost Hunters Book 3

.

Who—or what—is causing the fires in the French Quarter? A little girl? A long-dead prisoner? An evil presence calling to those beyond the grave?

In this spooky, fast-paced adventure, twelve-year-old Alex must fight smoke, flames, and ghostly prisoners to stop whatever’s causing the blazes—before more lives are lost.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

.

Swamp Witch

Ghost Hunters Book 4

.

In this spooky-fun mystery, thirteen-year-old psychic Alex and his paranormal investigator friends face their biggest challenge yet: the hospital haunting. The friends are convinced that this surge of ghostly activity is far more devious than the “experts” suspect—and that only the ancient magic of an elusive swamp witch can put the ghosts to rest. Finding the witch means braving the Louisiana swamps full of gators and snakes, but if Alex and his team fail, New Orleans could become a realm of the dead.

Book 4 in the paranormal mystery Ghost Hunters series is perfect for fans of Lockwood & Co. and Stranger Things.

**Available September 20th!!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

Susan McCauley is a screenwriter and award-winning author of books for adults, young adults, middle grade, and young readers. Susan fell in love with writing, theater, and film when she was eight-years-old. That passion inspired her to receive a B.A. in Radio-Television with a minor in Theater from the University of Houston, an M.F.A. in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California (USC), and a M.A. in Text & Performance from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and King’s College in London. Susan also studied acting at Playhouse West with Robert Carnegie and Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day) in Los Angeles.

Susan has several short stories published, one of which, “The Cask”, was made into an award winning short film. “The Cask” was published in the Camden Park Press anthology Quoth the Raven, which won Best Anthology of 2018 in multiple reader polls. In addition to her short stories, Susan has one novella and four novels in print, as well as a feature length film in development. Many of her books have appeared on the Horror Writers Association Recommended Reading List.

Susan loves travel, animals, movies, theatre, taekwondo, her family, and books (of course!)

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

.

$20 Amazon giftcard,

Swag Pack

– 1 winner each!

.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Ghoster Heights ~ Excerpts And Giveaway

Posted: September 29, 2022 in giveaways, middle grade
Tags: , ,
3

.

I am so excited that GHOSTER HEIGHTS by Corey Landsell, Kelly
Mellings, & Lisa Larose is available now and that I get to share the
news!

.

If you haven’t yet heard about this
wonderful book, be sure to check out all the details below.

.

This blitz also includes a giveaway
for 2 finished copies of the book courtesy of Wonderbound & Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d
like a chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

.

  

About The Book:

.

Title: GHOSTER HEIGHTS

.

Author: Corey Landsell, Kelly Mellings, Lisa Larose,
Becca Carey, Rebecca Taylor (Editor)

.

.

Pub. Date: September 27, 2022

Publisher: Wonderbound

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 208

.

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

.

A haunting and hopeful Middle Grade graphic novel about a girl, ghosts, and
grief.  For fans of Sheets, Small Spaces,
and Ghosts.

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOOHOOD!

Eight-year-old Ona has lost just about everything: her home, her possessions,
her mother, and almost her life. When she and her father move into her Baba’s
apartment complex after these traumatic events, they had hoped for a clean
start. But a mysterious specter follows her, and Ona befriends the ghost she
discovers haunting the boiler room. When her new friendship starts allowing her
to see other ghosts—the ghosts who haunt the other residents of her
building—she decides to use her ability to help her new neighbors face
their troubles and free themselves from their specters. In doing so, however,
Ona must eventually come face to face with a much darker foe—her own
trauma and grief. The earnestness of Judy Bloom meets the raw emotion
of I Kill Giants in this beautifully hopeful story of
childhood tragedy.

An original graphic novel for Middle Grade readers about grief, loss, and the
ghosts that haunt us all.

For fans of Brenna Thummler’s Sheets and Delicates.

 

Excerpts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Corey Landsell:

.

Corey Lansdell is a multiple award-winning illustrator and animator.
He is a skilled communicator, expert storyteller and passionate collaborator.
Corey heads up a SCBWI illustrators group in Edmonton, Alberta.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 





 

About Kelly Mellings:

 

Kelly Mellings is an award-winning art director, illustrator, and
designer. His work has
appeared in comic books, TV commercials, magazines, apps, museum exhibits, and
video
games. He is the co-writer of Ghoster Heights and illustrator
of the Canadian best-selling
graphic novel, The Outside Circle. He lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

 

 

About Lisa Larose:

Lisa
LaRose is a pop
surrealist painter, illustrator, and comics artist in Vancouver, Canada. She is
best known for her paintings: Bizarre and Colourful artworks. She creates
lively and exciting colour palettes and is always making something a little
weird. Lisa loves middle-grade fiction (books, comics, cartoons, you name it)
and so she also moonlights as a middle-grade comics artist.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads

 

 

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of GHOSTER HEIGHTS, US Only.

Ends October 11th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Abby’s Pony Love by Susan Count

Posted: September 23, 2022 in giveaways, middle grade
Tags: ,
14

.

Abby’s Pony Love

by Susan Count

.


Abby’s Pony Love
Hastings Creations Group (September 19, 2022)
Middle-Grade Ages 8-12
Print length ‏ : ‎ 113 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B7VXQSX5

When a girl falls in pony-love, she wants it to be forever.

Desperate to be near horses, a hopeful girl with no horse experience begs for a job at a stable. Then she falls in love with a beautiful but mischievous pony, only to have it bought by another family. Abby’s heart aches when her barn job becomes helping the new owner learn to ride the best pony ever. Can her faithful heart let go of what never belonged to her?

About Susan Count

Susan Count writes for the joy and entertainment of young readers. She is a best-selling, award-winning author of the Dream Horse Adventures Series, Dream Pony Riders Series, and Texas Boys Adventures.

She prefers to create stories in a quiet zone. Out her window, her mind wanders through the forest and keeps her in a grateful, contented state of being. She writes at a fabulous antique desk that has secret compartments filled with memories, mysteries, and story ideas. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and American Christian Fiction Writers, Susan takes studying the craft of writing seriously.

Susan confesses to being overly fond of brownies and horseback riding on forest trails. She is a lifelong equestrian and is owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse.

You are invited to saddle up and ride along. www. susancount.com

E-mail a comment: susancountauthor@yahoo.com Hearing from readers is a great delight and encourages
me to keep writing.

Please like Susan Count at https://www.facebook.com/susancount where I post only horse-related videos.

I’m also on Instagram

And Pinterest

~~~~~

Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 19 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

September 20 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

September 21 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW

September 23 – My Journey Back – SPOTLIGHT  

September 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT

September 25 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

September 26 – The Mystery of Writing – REVIEW

September 26 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

September 28 – Girl with Pen – SPOTLIGHT

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Ghosts In The Closet by PJ McIlvaine ~ Author Interview And Giveaway

Posted: September 7, 2022 in giveaways, Historical, middle grade, Mystery
Tags: , , ,
9
.
.

.

Violet Yorke, Gilded Girl: Ghosts In the Closet

by PJ McIlvaine

Genre: Middle Grade Historical Paranormal Mystery

.

.

She sees ghosts…but are they malevolent or friendly?

Poor little rich girl Violet Yorke has seen ghosts for as long as she can remember, but no one believes her.

Not stodgy Grandmother, who took charge of the heiress after her parents were killed in a failed robbery. Nor kind-hearted Aunt Nanette, or Uncle Bertie, a charming rogue. Not even the patient Hugo Hewitt, Violet’s godfather and trustee of her vast fortune.

Everyone dismissed the child’s insistence about ghosts as a harmless eccentricity—until the night her bedroom caught fire. Violet was promptly sent overseas, fueling her anger and resentment.

Two years later, a rebellious twelve-year-old Violet is on her way back to Manhattan on the doomed Titanic. As the ship sinks into the deep Atlantic Ocean, she’s put in a lifeboat by an apparition who rescued her from the clutches of a jewel thief. Presumed lost at sea, Violet shocks everyone by crashing her own funeral.

Following Violet’s recovery, Grandmother has grand high society designs for the girl, but Violet has other ideas. She’s determined to uncover the secret of what really happened to her parents. Then there’s the mystery of the moon-faced boy at gloomy Dunham Hall and his connection to the ghost on Titanic. Also hot on Violet’s trail is the jewel thief, the specter of her murdered governess, and a vengeful ghost lurking in Violet’s childhood home.

Being a poor little rich girl in 1912 Gotham isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in this delightfully dark and droll supernatural historical fantasy.

Amazon * B&N * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

Author Interview
.Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell me something about yourself and how you became an author?I’m an extremely prolific, writing in multiple genres from kid lit to adult to Amazon wish lists. I knew I always wanted to write novels, but it wasn’t until my mother passed away that I returned to my first love–prose–after devoting many years to screenwriting. I still have a couple of original screenplays in me, but right now, I’m loving what I’m doing, feeling passionate about what I’m writing, and manifesting good things with a little help from the universe.  

 

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I hate mint, mint anything. I have a thing about toilet paper. I buy in bulk and always carry a roll in the car for emergencies. I don’t eat out. 

 

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

Back in June, I won a sweepstake to go to a movie premiere in New York City, two nights at the Plaza Hotel, all expenses paid.  At first, I thought it was a scam, but it turned out to be real! My husband and I had a great time and it taught me a valuable lesson: not everything you click on social media is fake or bogus.

 

What are some of your pet peeves?

Slow drivers, hot soda, loud fireworks at midnight, whining, bad puns, people who don’t pick up their dog’s poop, and overbaked brownies. 

 

Where were you born/grew up at?

I was born in Elmhurst, Queens, NY, but grew up in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY. It was considered the boonies back then. No car, no malls, no internet, no cell phones, no computers. How did we survive?

 

If you knew you’d die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?

With my family at the beach eating gooey pizza and sipping an ultra-thick chocolate milkshake while listening to John Hyatt, Steve Earle, CSNY, Springsteen, and hits of the 60s. 

 

Who is your hero and why?

Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird. He knew right from wrong and wasn’t afraid to speak up. He embodied what a good father and citizen should be. We need more Atticus’ in the world. 

 

What kind of world ruler would you be?

Kind but firm with no zero tolerance for fools. 

 

What are you passionate about these days?

My writing and my family. I still get worked up about politics and such, but it’s hazardous to my health, so I try to limit my anger to a manageable level.  

 

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I watch old movies and gritty international mysteries and thrillers. I’m a sucker for Nordic noir. 

 

How to find time to write as a parent?

I’m a grandparent now, but I’ve learned that you make the time. I wouldn’t be as prolific as I am if I didn’t. I write every day, even if it’s only a sentence or a paragraph. Is it hard? Of course. But it’s also being disciplined and highly motivated. If you can find time to brush your teeth twice a day, you can write something.

 

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Passionate, determined, stubborn, headstrong, positive, optimistic, loyal. Okay, that’s seven words. 

 

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Since I was a small child. I used to write comic books and neighborhood newspapers with my brother. I may have toyed with different careers when I was younger, but writing has always been my first love and passion. 

 

Do you have a favorite movie?

If I’m honest, too many to name, BUT–in comedy, hands down. IT’S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD. I have to watch that movie at least once a year and it still cracks me up. 

 

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?

#SeaweedGirl, my middle-grade eco-mystery fantasy, would make a great family movie. It’s got it all: a messy family, an unreliable narrator, secrets and mysteries galore, and a new take on merfolk. 

 

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

Lone Wolf.

.

.

PJ McIlvaine is a prolific author/screenwriter/writer/journalist.

PJ is the author of the AmazonUS best-selling VIOLET YORKE, GILDED GIRL: GHOSTS IN THE CLOSET (April 2022, Darkstroke Books), her debut middle-grade supernatural historical mystery adventure about a sassy poor little rich girl/Titanic survivor who sees ghosts in 1912 Manhattan.

PJ’s debut picture book LITTLE LENA AND THE BIG TABLE (May 2019, Big Belly Book Co.), with illustrations by Leila Nabih, is about a determined little girl tired of eating with her annoying cousins at the kid’s table, only to discover that the grown-up big table isn’t much better. Her second published picture book, DRAGON ROAR (October 2021, MacLaren-Cochrane Publishing), illustrations by Logan Rogers), is about a lonely, sick dragon who has lost his mighty roar and the brave village girl who helps him find it again. PJ is also under contract with Oghma Creative Media for a series of Creature Feature picture books (2023-2024) and with Orange Blossom Books for her debut Young Adult alternate history adventure THE CONUNDRUM OF CHARLEMAGNE CROSSE set in Victorian London (Fall 2023).

PJ is also a co-host and founding member of #PBPitch, the premiere Twitter pitch party for picture book creators.

PJ has been published in numerous outlets including The New York Times and Newsday. PJ also does features and interviews for The Children’s Book Insider newsletter.

Also, PJ’s critically acclaimed Showtime original family movie MY HORRIBLE YEAR with Mimi Rogers, Karen Allen, and Eric Stoltz, was nominated for a Daytime Emmy.

PJ lives in Eastern Long Island with her family along with Luna, an extremely spoiled French Bulldog, and Sasha the Psycho Cat.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

.

$20 Amazon Giftcard – 1 winner (WW),

Print Copy of book with Magnets & Bookmarks – 2 winners! (US only)

.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

They dared to rule the high seas….. Pirate Queens

Posted: March 29, 2022 in Action/Adventure, giveaways, middle grade
Tags: , ,
2


Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic Kids (January 11, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1426371950
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1426371950
 

Praise for PIRATE QUEENS

“For readers who want more herstory in history.” —Booklist

“…an ethnically inclusive selection of real-life women who commanded ships, wielded cutlasses, and struck fear into the hearts of others.” —Publishers Weekly

 

.

.

 

 

From Ching Shih, a Chinese pirate who presided over a fleet comprised of some 80,000 men (Blackbeard had 400!), to Anne Bonny who famously ran away from an arranged marriage to don trousers and brandish a pistol in the Bahamas, to Sayyida al Hurra, an Islamic queen who ruled the Western Mediterranean, this edgy illustrated book proves that since ancient times women have made their mark in all aspects of history—even pirate lore.

Reviewed by some of the world’s leading pirate experts and historians, Pirate Queens showcases six gutsy women who dared to rule the high seas.

 

You can purchase Pirate Queens at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Leigh Lewis

Leigh Lewis is a children’s writer whose middle-grade debut, Pirate Queens: Dauntless Women Who Dared to Rule the High Seas (National Geographic Kids), spotlights six fierce female pirates, telling each of their stories in verse. Leigh’s adventures on the high seas have enabled her to call many places home, including Turkey, Greece, England, Japan and Russia, and she eventually navigated her way back to her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Leigh spends her time there dreaming up stories for kids of all ages, buoyed by an amazing crew—her Turkish delight of a husband and their three swashbuckling daughters.

 

Sara Gómez Woolley is an award-winning Latina illustrator, graphic novelist, and educator living and working in Brooklyn, NY. Her children’s book Charlotte and the Quiet Place received a Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Gold Medal and an IPPY Award Silver Medal, and has been featured in Creative Quarterly: Journal of Art and Design.

 

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Sherwood Proof by Kristee Ravan

Posted: December 7, 2021 in Fantasy, giveaways, middle grade
Tags: , ,
3

.
On Tour with Prism Book Tours
.
.
The Sherwood Proof

 

(The Lily Sparrow Chronicles #3)

 

By Kristee Ravan
.
Middle-Grade, Fairy Tale, Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 569 Pages
November 23, 2021 by Kristee Ravan

Lily Sparrow has finally created an equation for being a good princess.
Things are adding up and making sense, and she’s even growing a
measurable amount more excited about her future. But unexpected
variables keep being tossed into her equation:

1. Carole Claus is facing her first hurdle as Santa. She needs Lily’s help.
2. Lily’s Half-Birthday–an important Smythian tradition–is coming up, requiring her to find time to prepare for it.
3. Her algebra teacher has an unusual (and stressful plan) for Lily.
4. Lily remains convinced that her mom is hiding something from her.
5. The investigation into the traitor is an on-going source of stress and tension at work for Lily and Calo.
6. Oh, and Calo’s still betrothed to Su’Sauna, making life difficult and confusing all around.

Will Lily be able to place these variables securely in her equation?
Will the Sparrow family find a way to convince their critics they are
good for the Kingdom? Or will everything fall apart–subtracting all the
good will Lily has already earned from her citizens?

(Affiliate links included.)
.
.
.
Enjoy this peek inside:
.

Carole didn’t budge.

“Go on.” Corrie pushed again.

Nothing.

“Carole?” I asked. “What’s going on?”

“You do it, Lily.” Her voice was a whisper.

“Do what?”

“Go talk to him. Feel him out or something.”

“What?!” That eggnog lip gloss was affecting her brain.

“Please.”

“Carole, you’re being crazy right now. What am I going to say to him? I don’t know how to talk to boys.”

“Also,” Eric put in, “I’m not comfortable with the Princess being that far away from me.” He looked through the shelves again. “It’s over thirty feet.”

“Nothing is going to happen, Eric,” I protested.

“Kara gave me specific instructions for these outings. We cannot be sure that—”

“Enough, Eric,” Corrie spoke up. “No one’s going to risk Lily.” She turned to Carole. “It’s a lot. I get it. I’ll go talk to him.”

I looked at Corrie, stunned. She knew how to talk to boys? When did she learn that formula?

“Wait!” Carole grabbed Corrie’s arm just before she stepped into the aisle. “Take this.” She shoved a candy cane into Corrie’s jacket pocket and held up an identical one. “It’s a listening device,” she explained. “So we can hear what he says.”

“Where did you get that?” I asked as we watched Corrie approach Mikey.

Carole shrugged. “We use them for surveillance at the North Pole.”

“I thought you used the Showglobe for that.”

“Hush, Algebra. She’s talking!”

“Hi!” We heard Corrie say through the candy cane. We watched as she stood next to Mikey.

“Hey,” he said. He looked up at her.

Corrie cleared her throat. “Um, can I borrow your notes from class this morning?”

“You’re not in my class.”

She laughed nervously. “No, I know. They’re for my friend, who is in your class. She’s in that class. Your history class, she’s in that class.”

“You look really young. Are you in high school?”

“Bye!” Corrie dashed back to our shelf. “It did not go well,” she whispered to us.

“We heard.” Carole sounded discouraged.

We all bent to look through the shelf again. “He’s gone,” I pointed out.

“You dropped this,” a voice behind us said.

We all jumped. Eric hit his head on the shelving.

Mikey’s face was dark as he held out the candy cane.

Excerpted from The Sherwood Proof by Kristee Ravan, Copyright © 2021 by Kristee Ravan. Published by Kristee Ravan.

.

 

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Kristee Ravan lives in Oklahoma with her husband, daughter, and pet fish, Val (short for Valentine). She wanted to be many things as she grew up including a general, an artist, and an architect. But she never bothered to say, “I want to be a writer when I grow up.” She was always writing stories and thought of herself as a writer anyway. She sent her first story to a publisher in the sixth grade. (It was rejected – in a nice way.) When she is not making up stories in her head, she enjoys reading, juggling, green smoothies, playing dollhouse with her daughter, and hearing from her fans. You can contact Kristee at the Facebook page for her Lily Sparrow books: The Lily Sparrow Chronicles.

 

Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway

.

Three winners will receive a print copy of The Sherwood Proof (US only)

Ends December 15, 2021


Grab Our Button!

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Gobbledy by Lis Anna-Langston ~ Trailer and Giveaway

Posted: October 29, 2021 in giveaways, Holidays, middle grade
Tags: , ,
1

.

Gobbledy

A Novel by Lis Anna-Langston

.

Gobbledy: A Novel
Holiday Middle Grade
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 – 11 years
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 – 6
Publisher ‏ : ‎ SparkPress (October 20, 2020)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1684630673
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1684630677
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084JRC21K

Ever since eleven-year-old Dexter Duckworth and his brother, Dougal, lost their mom, everything has been different. But “different” takes on a whole new meaning when, one day just before Christmas (or Kissmas, as they call it), Dexter finds a golden rock in the forest that hatches into an adorable alien. Gobbledy is smarter than he seems and is lost on planet Earth. Before long, Gobbledy takes Dexter, Dougal, and their best friend Fi on an adventure of friendship, family, and loss—one that requires them all to stay out of trouble, protect Gobbledy from a shadowy group called the Planetary Society, and prepare for their school’s Winter Extravaganza Play, where Dexter has to be a dreaded Gingerbread Man.

Gobbledy is a fun-filled holiday story that adds up to two brothers, three friends, unlimited jars of peanut butter, a ketchup factory, and one little alien far, far from home.

2021 Independent Press Awards Winner in Holiday: Children’s
2021 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Awards Silver Winner in Young Reader: Fiction (8-12 Years)
2021 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Holiday
2021 Book Excellence Awards Finalist in Holiday
2020 New York City Big Book Awards Winner in Holiday
2020 Wishing Shelf Book Awards Gold Winner in Books for 9-12 year olds

.

About Lis Anna-Langston

Lis Anna-Langston was raised alongside the winding current of the Mississippi River on a steady diet of dog-eared books. She attended a creative and performing arts school from middle school until graduation and went on to study literature at Webster University. She is a Parents’ Choice Gold and a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Winner. She draws badly and sings loudly, and loves ketchup, starry skies, and stories with happy endings aliens. Lis Anna-Langston lives in Columbia, South Carolina. You can learn more about her at www.lisannalangston.com.

Author Links: Website / Instagram / BookBub / Goodreads / Amazon / IMBD

 

Purchase Links

Amazon    Barnes and Noble     Kobo      iBooks     Alibris     IndieBound

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 25 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW

October 27 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST

October 29 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

October 31 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

November 1 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST

November 1 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

November 2 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 4 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – SPOTLIGHT

November 5 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

November 6 – Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

November 7 – Reading Authors Network – SPOTLIGHT

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Older Entries
Newer Entries