Book Review: With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

Title: With a Name Like Love
Author: Tess Hilmo
Series: None
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: September 27, 2011
Website: http://tesshilmo.com/

Book Summary:

When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession? Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.

With a Name Like Love is a wonderful middle, grade historical fiction, read that reminded me of Little House on the Prairie.

Ollie's dad is a traveling preacher. Every three days her family moves on to a new town. That's the way life is, the way it has always been and the way it seems like it will always be. At least until the family arrives in Binder, Arkansas. When Ollie befriends lonely Jimmy Koppel the family's way of life is turned upside down and they find themselves in a battle to help Jimmy and his mother.

This book is a heartfelt story that would make a great read aloud.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Review Copy

Blog Tour: Book Review: Athena the Wise by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Athena the Wise:

Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills…
Athena isn’t the only new kid at Mount Olympus Academy. When a mortal named Heracles transfers in, Athena understands what he’s going through. She started at MOA a few months ago.
Not only does Heracles need help fitting in, he also has to complete twelve “labors” or he’ll be kicked out of school! When Athena’s dad, Principal Zeus, asks her to secretly look after the new boy, she winds up capturing mythical beasts and shoveling poop. It will take all of her famed wisdom to sort out her own problems and help Heracles succeed!

I can't praise this series enough.  Athena the Wise is the 5th book in the Goddess Girls Series and I have enjoyed everyone. 

The first book in the series was about Athena being the new girl at Mount Olympus Academy.  Once again in book 5 Athena is the main character but now there is a new student at Mount Olympus: Hercules.  Hercules has 12 tasks to complete in a weeks time and Athena is enlisted to help him. 

Great stories that teach valuable lessons with a new spin on classic Greek mythology.  I highly recommend this series!

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Author For Review
To learn more about the Goddess Girls:

http://www.suzanne-williams.com/

http://www.joanholub.com/

Goddess Girls Series:
Athena the Brain
Persephone the Phony
Aphrodite the Beauty
Artemis the Brave
Athena the Wise
Aphrodite the Diva - coming in August 2011
Two more titles coming soon!




Don't forget you have until April 21st to enter to win a copy of Athena the Wise. To enter just leave a comment on THIS POST.

Click link for all the The Teen Book Scene Blog Tour for Athena the Wise.

Blog Tour - Book Review: Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson + Chance to win a Prize Pack

Priscilla the Great by Sybil Nelson:
Meet Priscilla Sumner, an ordinary seventh grader with extraordinary gifts. As if middle school isn’t hard enough, not only does Priscilla have to fight pimples and bullies, but genetically enhanced assassins trying to kill her and her family. Armed with wit, strength, and a genius best friend, Priscilla must defeat the Selliwood Institute, an organization dead set on turning children into killing machines.


Add an older brother annoyingly obsessed with Christina Aguilera, mischievous baby twin brothers who could scare the sin off of Satan, and parents more puzzling than a Rubik’s cube in the Bermuda triangle and expect a smoking page-turner.

Priscilla the Great is such a fun middle grade read!  I know my children would enjoy this story and it kept me entertained.  Sort of a Spy Kids meets X-Men type story.

There really is a lot to like about this book - from the plot to the characters to the humor to the awesome superpowers - this book was a page turner.  Sometimes I find my mind wandering while reading middle grade books but this one held my attention and kept me turning the pages.

I'm fairly certain there is a sequel coming and I'll gladly read it if given the chance.



Content: A few instances of taking the Lord's name in vain but otherwise clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From author for review as part of a blog tour



Win a Priscilla the Great Prize Pack!

Prize Pack includes:
1 signed Priscilla the Great book,
1 Priscilla the Great t-shirt,
1 Priscilla the Great totebag,
and a $15 iTunes gift card!

That's over a $50 value! All you have to do is comment on one of the posts during the Teen {Book} Scene blog tour March 14th to April 8th and you're automatically entered!

Blog Tour: Book Review: The Samantha Granger Experiment: Fused by Kari Lee Townsend

The Samantha Granger Experiment: FUSED by Kari Lee Townsend:
After Sam is fused with her cell phone, she's ready to conquer the world! Or at least the 8th grade...
When Samantha Granger touches a meteor while talking on her cell phone, her life is changed forever: her body now has all the capabilities of her phone (GPS, phone, text, camera). She secretly calls herself a "Digital Diva" as she rushes to answer emergency calls. But will her identity be discovered when sparks fly (literally!) between her and Trevor, her dreamy crush? Samantha has to get a handle on her abilities and quick, because when Sam gets kidnapped and the entire town is in danger, she is the only one who can save them.

I love the premise of Fused.  After touching a meteor Samantha and her high tech phone are fused together as one.  Suddenly she has instant access to the Internet and is able to use it to her advantage whether on the soccer field or fighting criminals.  Unfortunately she doesn't have complete control over her powers.

This is a fun light hearted book with lots of humor in it.  Not laugh out loud funny but still fun to read.  The book moved along really quickly leaving some plot holes and storylines that I wish had been developed a little more. There were several things about this story that were not full explained making this book a little too unbelievable.

This is targeted at a middle grade audience that I'm sure children ages 9-12 will enjoy this book.



Content: Clean but has quite a few OMGs.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From author for review as part of The Teen {Book} Scene Blog Tour

Book Review: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Kronos’s army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan’s power only grows.


While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it’s up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.


In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy’s sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate.

Such it a fabulous end to an amazing series. I LOVED The Last Olympian. Rick Riordan is such an amazing storyteller. This book made me laugh so many times while reading it.  I've never had much interest in mythology until reading this series.

I highly recommend these books to readers of all ages. All my children love these books. The Percy Jackson series weaves elements of mythology into one great big adventure that will have you laughing and cheering for the Demigods.  The Last Olympian was full of everything I loved about this series and seamlessly wrapped up story lines from the previous four books.  If you have not read this series you are missing out!

I'm sad this series is over but looking forward to being reunited with the characters I love in Rick's next series Heroes of Olympus.






Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: Audio download from Audible

Book Review: The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz by Laura Toffler-Corrie

The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz by Laura Toffler-Corrie:
‘Told in wry emails and brilliant little one act plays, this laugh-out-loud debut novel offers quirky characters, a whimsical tour around New York City, and an appealing story about what it means to be a good friend.’

If you are looking for a fun read, peppered with the sarcasm and wit of an 8th grader, give The Life and Opinions of Amy Finawitz a try.

Amy starts the book being quite self-centered. Everything is all about her. The story is told in the form of emails Amy sends to her friend who has moved away, abandoning Amy in NYC with no friends or social life. I enjoyed Amy's snarky comments and humor as she communicates the woes of her life to her friend. Through the course of the 4 months this book covers we watch Amy transform, grow and change for the better.

Aimed at girls ages 11-14 this book had me laughing out loud many times while reading it. The all email format worked for this story. Teaming up a geeky girl, an old lady and a religious zealot to create a "dream team" for a research project made for a fun adventure. 

There is some mild language in it but nothing extreme.



Content: some mild language

Rating: 4 stars

Source: From Author For Review

Book Review: Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han

Clara Lee likes her best friends, her grandpa, kimchi, candy necklaces (her signature look!), and the idea of winning the Little Miss Apple Pie contest.


Clara Lee doesn't like her mom's fish soup, bad dreams (but Grandpa says they mean good luck!), speaking in public, or when her little sister is being annoying.


One day, after a bad dream, Clara Lee is thrilled to have a whole day of luck (Like!). But then, bad luck starts to follow (Dislike!). When will Clara Lee's luck change again? Will it change in time for the Little Miss Apple Pie contest?

Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dreams is a great book for girls in 2nd - 4th grade.  A wonderful early chapter book with great illustrations.  I enjoyed the multi-cultural element in this book.  Clara is an American born Korean.  Being able to learn a little more about Korean culture such as foods and dream interpretation brought a unique twist to this book.  Clara shows us what it means to be as American as apple pie.  If you enjoy Junie B Jones, Judy Moody & Clementine give Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream a try.



Content: Clean

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Blog Tour: Book Review: Artemis the Brave by Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Artemis the Brave
(Goddess Girls #4)

All of Artemis's friends and classmates depend on her to be the most courageous goddessgirl in Mount Olympus Academy. Little do they know that despite her expert archery skills, the smelly geryons, ring-nosed Minotaurs, and stinging scorpions in Beast-ology class scare her as much as anyone else! But what's really bothering her now is that funny feeling she has whenever she looks at foreign exchange student Orion. She's never had a crush before--could this be what all the fuss is about? And will she find the courage to talk to her crush, make him see her as more than a pal, and to ace Beast-ology class?


Series scoop:
Join the class at Mount Olympus Academy with Goddess Girls, a new series that puts a modern spin on classic Greek myths!
Aladdin paperbacks, ages 8 ~ 12.
Athena the Brain
Finding out she’s a goddess and being sent to Mount Olympus brings Athena new friends, a weird dad, and the meanest girl in mythology—Medusa!
Persephone the Phony
Hiding her feelings works fine for Persephone until she meets a guy she can be herself with—Hades, the bad-boy of the Underworld.
Aphrodite the Beauty
Sure Aphrodite is beautiful, but it’s not always easy being the goddessgirl of love.
Artemis the Brave
She may be the goddess of the hunt, but that doesn’t mean Artemis always feels brave.



Coming Soon:
Athena the Wise
Zeus says Heracles has to do twelve tasks or he'll get kicked out of MOA! Although she's not sure it's wise, Athena agrees to help out. (April 5, 2011)
Aphrodite the Diva
Isis claims she's the goddess of love? Ha! But to keep the title all to herself, Aphrodite has to find the perfect match for Pygmalion, the most annoying boy ever. (August 2011)
Two more Goddess Girls books to come!


Review:

I love this series.  It's perfect for girls ages 8+.  A great introduction to Greek mythology in a way that is entertaining and fun. 

Artemis is Goddess of the Hunt and thinks she shouldn't have any fears while hunting, but she does.  She's afraid to let anyone know she's not as brave as everyone thinks.  Enter, stuck on himself, exchange student Orion, when Artemis finds herself crushing on him suddenly she has a new round of fears to face. 

I like that these books teach great lessons with strong heroines.  I highly recommend this series to middle grade readers and those looknig to enjoy a quick, fun book.

Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Source: From author for review as part of The Teen {Book} Scene Blog Tour

Blog Tour: Book Review: Lost of Spirit River by Tommy Batchelor

Lost on Spirit River by Tommy Batchelor:

Thirteen-year-old Tony's parents are in the middle of divorce, his mother sends him to his Grandpa's along the banks of the Flint River in Southwestern Georgia. With his younger cousin Kathryn, they set out to look for a Christmas tree for the holidays, along with Grandpa's aging beagle, Sally. The three become lost in a snowstorm, which has not hit Georgia in three hundred years. Finding shelter in a hidden cave, stumbling upon Native American art. Now the adventure begins...

In Lost on Spirit River, author Tommy Batchelor has written an entertaining young-adult novel with a multi-pronged message. He uses suspense and adventure to capture his audience's attention...The dialogue is crisp...The characters are well developed... Readers glimpse the spirit world of ancient native tribes in a way that will stir imaginations...Kim Reale's illustrations solidify the images already created by Batchelor's exceptional ability to describe scenes and setting. Highly Recommended by William Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews.

Book Trailer:


Lost on Spirit River is an adventure story for middle grade readers. Kathryn and her cousin Tony set out to find the perfect Christmas tree. Tony takes them further and further from home until they find themselves lost in a sudden snow storm. What follows is an adventure story that mixes elements of Native American folklore with Tony and Kathryn's quest to find their way home.

The back cover of the book bills this as a young-adult novel but it is most definitely aimed at a younger middle grade audience. There are a few editing errors mainly with punctuation and the way the pages are laid out that were a little distracting but otherwise a great adventure story. The illustrations really added to the book and helped bring the story to life.



Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: Received a review copy from the author through The Teen Book Scene.

Book Review: Aphrodite the Beauty by Joan Holub

Aphrodite delights in helping mortals in love, but she's pretty annoyed at the constant attention she gets from the godboys at Mount Olympus Academy.


When she decides to give Athena a makeover, she's a bit unprepared for the result. She didn't count on all the interest Athena's new look would get. And she certainly never thought she'd find herself jealous of one of her best friends!


But when the hottest godboys at school start ignoring Aphrodite, she learns that some boys are nicer and more sensitive than others--including a mortal youth who has requested her help in winning the heart of a young maiden.


Can she put her jealousy behind her and help him find true love?

I totally love this series. So cute for girls ages 8+. I often find myself slightly bored while reading middle grade books but that hasn't been the case with this series. Joan Holub has put such a fun spin on Greek Mythology with these godboys and goddessgirls enrolled at Mount Olympus Academy.

The third book in the series Aphrodite the Beauty teaches the importance of being yourself and being a good friend.  It also deals with crushes on boys and jealously in friendship. 

This book had a myth I was unfamiliar with, Atalanta and the Golden Apples (which I looked up and read online after finishing the book).

I highly recommend this series to those young or old who enjoy Greek Mythology.

Content: Clean Read

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From Publisher For Review

Book Review: Bellyache by Crystal Marcos

A lip-smacking, mouthwatering, absolutely delectable debut, BELLYACHE: A Delicious Tale by Crystal Marcos is a literary feast for ages seven and up. In the vein of Roald Dahl’s best-loved adventures, Marcos offers a mystical, character driven escapade that intertwines strands of reality with a larger-than-life fantasy world. When Peter Fischer sets out to help his grandfather at Papa’s Sweet Shop, he will quickly learn that sneaking sweets and covering up his sugar-dusted tracks will have major consequences. As Peter is transported to a mysteriously delicious, faraway land, a curious people known as the Candonites, some of whom have no time for a non-Candonite, will teach Peter a lesson on what it means to be different and what it means to forgive.

Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in this delicious, whimsical book.

I picked this book up on New Year's Eve because I had a "Bellyache" after eating too much food.  I could so relate to Peter who was helping in his grandfather's sweet shop and kept sneaking treats.  Before long Peter is not feeling so well and is transported to the whimsical land of the Candonites.  A place where the people look and smell good enough to eat.

I'm sure children ages 6 to 10 will enjoy this book.  It would make a fun read aloud for younger kids and a good read alone for those who are a little older.  It wrapped up a little too quickly for me and I never fully understood why a couple of characters acted like they did but otherwise an enjoyable, tasty read.

Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Blog Tour: Book Review: Island Sting by Bonnie J Doerr

Island Sting by Bonnie J. Doerr:
The Story: Kenzie didn't expect her first summer in the Florida Keys to be murder. Or cute guys, awesome boats, endangered species, and gun-toting thugs... When city girl Kenzie Ryan moves to a Florida wildlife refuge, she plunges straight into an eco-mystery. Kenzie trades New York streets for Keys pollution cleanup, and now, instead of hailing cabs, she's tracking down a poacher of endangered Key deer. Her new home does have some benefits-mainly Angelo, an island native, who teams up with her to nab the culprit. But will they both survive when the killer turns from stalking deer to hunting humans? Island Sting includes notes on the endangered Florida Key Deer and the National Key Deer Refuge.



Island Sting by Bonnie Doerr is an environmentally friendly middle grade read aimed at children ages 10-12. This is a book about making a difference. When Kenzie rescues a small deer a desire and passion is awoken within her. Kenzie and her friend Angelo gather their friend and do what they can to help protect the endangered Key deer. Cleaning up litter, encouraging tourist to stop feeding the deer and tracking down a poacher make a great adventure story for younger readers.  This book was also educational with references to the environment and wildlife of Big Pine Key.  The last few pages of the book contain facts about the miniature Key deer and measures that have been taken to protect it.

Island Sting is a book I would recommend to kids who are interested in doing something to help the environment and endangered animals. It is a book that could be used in a classroom or homeschooling unit as a springboard to teach a dozen different subjects to students.

Reader's Guide
http://www.leapbks.com/teach.htm
Author's Blog:
http://www.bonnieblogsgreen.blogspot.com/
Author's Website:
http://bonniedoerrbooks.com/

Rating: 4 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author via Teen {Book} Scene

Book Review: The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition by David Borgenicht

Leave it to the authors of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series to serve up a hilarious and totally "gross" handbook that will guide kids through all things slippery, slimy, and stinky. Find out how to survive boogers, bloody noses, barfing emergencies, and more. The tips in this book will have kids laughing out loud, while gearing them up to tackle all that's utterly disgusting in life, Worst-Case Scenario-style.

This book is educational, funny and down right disgusting. I gagged several times while reading it. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition has information on just about every disgusting thing imaginable: boogers, vomit, spit, dog poop, lice, roaches, pimples, warts... the list goes on and on.

I learned a few interesting things like how to easily disinfect a toilet plunger, tricks for getting rid of warts, and which stall to use in a public bathroom.

Aimed at middle grade boys this book is sure to be a hit with them. Now that I'm done reading it I'll be turning my copy over to my 9 year old son, it's right up his alley. I think I'll check out a couple of the other Worst-Case Scenario Handbooks.

Content: Too disgusting to be rated clean, ages 8+

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Won in a giveaway

Book Review: Persephone the Phony (Goddess Girls #2) by Joan Holub

AS PERSEPHONE'S MOTHER ENCOURAGES HER to do, she often "goes along to get along" instead of doing what she really wants. But when she meets Mount Olympus Academy bad-boy Hades, she finally feels she has found someone with whom she can be herself. He's the first person who actually listens to her, and she finds herself liking him, despite the fact that the other goddess girls think he's bad news. But if he makes her feel so special -- and so comfortable -- can he really be all that bad? Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddess girls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

I enjoyed this second book in the Goddess Girls series as much as I did the first one.  In this book, Persephone the Phony, Persephone learns a great lesson in standing for and being herself.  When she meets bad boy Hades she learns to trust her instincts about him instead of listening to the gossip of other Goddesses.

Another light, fun read that is a great way to introduce young readers to mythology.  Perfect book for girls ages 8+.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

Book Review: Athena the Brain (Goddess Girls #1) by Joan Holub

ATHENA HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABOVE AVERAGE. She's never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact. When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history -- Medusa!Authors Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams put a modern spin on classic myths with the Goddess Girls series. Follow the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most privileged godboys and goddessgirls in the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

I'm a huge fan of the Percy Jackson series.  My children have all listened to the series multiple times but the reading level is beyond their read alone abilities.  The Goddess Girls series puts a new spin on Greek mythology aimed at a lower reading level than the Percy Jackson series.  This new series by Joan Holub is perfect for girls ages 8-10 and even held the interest of this pushing 40 year old mother as well.

The first book Athena the Brain was a really quick read taking me less than an hour to get through.  Athena receives word that she is the daughter of Zeus and heads to Mount Olympus Academy to attend school.  She meets new friends: Artemis, Pandora, Aphrodite and well as a host of other mythical Gods, Goddess and creatures.  A fun, light read aimed at pre-tween girls.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

Christmas Book Review: A First Christmas; Friends and Festivity by Sean Noonan

A First Christmas: Friends and Festivity by Sean Noonan


Beyond the half-sleep lies a land of dreams where anything can happen....


Join Elannah and Sam as they drift off happily into the fantastical world of their dreams where they visit Rodger the Badger and the Bridge Troll for some festive fun...or so they think...until ....


"Well" Rodger said, "The Twelve Toed Ugly Troll never did celebrate Christmas"


"Never celebrated Christmas!?" Sam exclaimed incredulously, a look of such bewilderment on his face. All thoughts of missing presents were forgotten. "That's not possible! What about his friends and family?"


"The Bridge Troll never knew his parents and, until the night of the fireworks, he has never had anyone to call a friend"
"This is not good." Elannah stated thoughtfully. She mused for a second and then announced, "Let's throw him a Christmas party, not just any Christmas party, but rather the best party there has ever been. We will make up for all the missing Christmases in this one night!"


From a harmless snowball fight to a terrifying tumble down the side of a mountain, a trek through the Mines of Abundance and the Magical Night Flower Garden. Will these traveling companions manage to gather the perfect ingredients to amaze and astound the Twelve Toed Ugly Troll!?


Follow Elannah, Sam and their dream world friends as they prepare for the most fantastical Christmas Party ever!

A First Christmas; Friends and Festivity is the second book in The Everlasting and Fantastical Adventures of Elannah and Sam.  I have not read the first book in the series and would recommend reading book one before reading this book.  It worked as a stand alone but there was some discussion on things that must have happened in the first book and I felt left in the dark.

This is an imaginative Christmas story that would make a good read aloud to younger children perhaps ages 5+ or as a read alone for children ages 8+.  The pictures in this book were drawn by the authors daughter, Elannah.  They are the black and white sketches of a young child.

The message of this book was one of giving to and doing things for others.  I think this quote summed it up:

People sometimes forget that Christmas is all about others and giving.  Such unselfish acts are blessings for the world and always produce rewards, even if they are not obvious.

Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Blog Tour: Book Review & Giveaway - Tiny Angel by Nancy Carti Lepri

Tiny Angel by Nancy Carti Lepri
When her dad is transferred to a new town, Macy Carver leaves behind her best friend and everything she knows. Suddenly she is the new girl…alone and bullied. An unexpected flash announces guardian angel Jody, who teaches her how to fit in and become a forever friend.

Read an Excerpt:
“Hey, chubbo quit hogging the sidewalk!” Kenny Thompson yanked the front of his bike off the ground, circled around eight-year-old Macy Carver, and stuck out his tongue.

“Don’t,” she yelled. Kenny cut the bike’s front wheel, covering her with dirty water. Laughing, he sped toward school.

“Creepazoid!” Macy said, brushing mud from her jeans, which made a worse mess. Mud even splattered her favorite top. Tears filled her eyes. Stupid North Carolina! Why did her dad have to move here? She hated being the new kid in class. Thanks to Kenny, the kids either ignored her or were mean. To make things worse, she had to sit next to him. Sighing, she trudged on, hoping that when she got to school, Kenny would have sprouted huge warts on his nose.

The first bell rang. Macy walked to her desk and tripped over Kenny’s outstretched foot.

“Hey four-eyes.” He laughed when she stumbled. “Are you a klutzo, too? Aw, poor Macy, dirty and klutzy.”

Macy grabbed the side of her desk to keep from falling. She glared at Kenny, ready to stick out her tongue, but decided he didn’t need anything else to tease her about. Biting her lip, she sat at her desk. She wanted to go home—fat lot of good that would do her. She knew she wouldn’t feel better there.

The letter she got yesterday from her best friend, Emily burned in her back pocket. Darn Emily! At least they’d been best friends back home. When she thought about everything Emily wrote, Macy’s stomach tightened and jerked as if she’d dropped three floors in a runaway elevator, and those muscles wouldn’t relax. It was the same feeling she got in the pit of her tummy every time she lied to her mother about something. Guilty.

But what do I have to feel guilty about? I haven’t done anything wrong. It isn’t like I wanted to move away.

Betrayed. That’s how Macy felt every time she thought about Emily telling her how she and Tricia Mitchell rode the school bus together now, played games and how they were always at each other’s house. Emily told Macy how much fun they were having, even saying they were going to the roller rink on Saturday then having a sleepover at Tricia’s house…something she and Emily loved doing together. Tricia Mitchell! Funny, Emily never liked Tricia before. She always called her stuck up. Now they’re best friends? What’s up with that?

Maybe Emily didn’t miss her at all. Macy suddenly felt lonelier than ever and she really wanted to cry.

A thwack to the back of her head reminded her that her misery was endless. She grabbed the runaway pencil from her lap and held it up. Kenny reached and snatched it from her. Macy blinked hard to keep the tears away. Please don’t let me cry in front of the other kids.

“Hey, I think Macy forgot her pencil. She’s trying to steal mine.” He leaned in with a nasty smirk and whispered, “Hey, chubbo, do you get a royalty every time someone up-sizes their burgers at Wendy’s?”

Choking with anger, Macy balled up her fist, but before she could give Kenny the pounding he deserved, a blazing ball of bright, pink light blasted through the room. It passed between them looking like a tiny comet zinging around Kenny’s head.

“What the…?” He swatted at it, eyes nearly bulging out of his head. The little pink fireball dodged at him again. Kenny lost his balance, and his butt hit the floor—hard.

Macy blinked and her mouth flew open. What the heck was that? It sounded like an insect, but was much bigger than any bug she’d ever seen. It was almost as if one of those fireworks she’d seen at Greenwood Park with her parents last summer had come to life and was waging war on Kenny.

Macy didn’t want to smile, but just then, she couldn’t think of a really good reason not to

About Nancy Carty Lepri:
Nancy Carty Lepri, born and raised in Massachusetts, earned an AA degree in Visual Art from Cape Cod Community College and a BA in Liberal Studies with a concentration in writing from Western New England College. In addition, she was a freelance reporter for several local newspapers.

In 1995, Nancy and her husband Art relocated to Wilmington NC where her publishing credits included the Wilmington Magazine as well as two national and international food-industry trade magazines.

Receiving Editor Certification through Cape Fear Community College in 2006, Nancy taught online writing and drawing courses, illustrated children’s books, started four mainstream novels, and had her children’s chapter book Tiny Angel, published through Guardian Angel Publishing in November 2009.

After a move to the Raleigh area in 2007, Nancy freelanced as senior editor for a national publisher, edited and wrote press releases for more than twenty novels, and was copy editor and reviewer for Affaire de Coeur magazine. She currently edits and critiques manuscripts, reviews for ReaderToReader.com and New York Journal of Books, and is completing her sequel to Tiny Angel.

You can visit Nancy’s website at: http://nancycl.webs.com/.

The Tiny Angel Tour Schedule:

Monday, December 6
Guest blogging at Lori’s Reading Corner

Tuesday, December 7
Guest blogging and giveaway at Acting Balanced
Book reviewed at Lynn’s Corner

Wednesday, December 8
Book reviewed at Acting Balanced

Thursday, December 9
Book reviewed and giveaway at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

Friday, December 10
Book spotlighted at Book Tours and More

Monday, December 13
Author interviewed at Pump Up Your Book!

Tuesday, December 14
Book reviewed and giveaway at Ellis
Book reviewed at Giving Reading a Chance

Wednesday, December 15
Book reviewed and giveaway at Chrissy’s World of Books

Thursday, December 16
Book reviewed at 4 the Love of Books

Friday, December 17
Guest blogging at The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection

Book Review:
Tiny Angel is a middle grade book aimed at children ages 8-11. A very simple quick read this story deals with the topics of bullying, friendship & self confidence.
A book I would recommend to children who are dealing with being bullied or need a lesson in compassion for others. Young girls would likely enjoy this more than boys since the main character is an eight year old girl and the guardian angel, Jody, is always dressed in pink outfits.
There was one plot line involving one of the main characters Tommy & his father that didn't get fully resolved but there is a sequel coming so I assume we well see resolution in the sequel.
Filled with a message many young children need, this is a heartwarming story worth the time to read.

Content: Clean

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From Author for Review & Blog Tour

Tiny Angel on Amazon.com

Giveaway:
Thanks to Nancy I have 1 copy of Tiny Angel to giveaway to a blog follower.  To enter you must have a US or Canadian mailing address.
Giveaway open until December 23th.
Comments are appreciated but to enter you must fill out this form:

Blog Tour: Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Nepa

Red in the Flower Bed by Andrea Napa
An Illustrated Children's Story about Interracial Adoption
Published: December 12th 2008 by Tribute Books
Authors Website
Link to Red in the Flower Bed on Tribute Books
Source: Tribute Books Blog Tour

Book Summary:The journey of adoption is beautifully depicted with the comforting imagery of a poppy flower who is welcomed into a garden family. It is a charming story of "seeds" being planted in the perfect place - exactly where they belong. Children and adults will enjoy this simple yet meaningful story and homespun illustrations. The book's loving approach helps children to understand adoption. Andrea Nepa has captured the essence of adoption and family, and has illustrated it beautifully with images and poetry that even a small child can comprehend and enjoy.



Andrea Nepa Bio: Andrea Nepa is the mother of an adopted Vietnamese daughter named Leah. In 2001, Adoptions from the Heart assisted with the international adoption. Andrea dedicated her book to her daughter: "For my dear Leah, whose journey in her young life has already taken her to far away and unexpected places." In 2006, Leah was diagnosed with cancer. She is currently in remission. Andrea lives with Leah and her husband, David, in Haddonfield, New Jersey. She is a registered dietitian for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Book Review: This is an adorable book and would be the perfect gift for someone who is involved in an adoption. A new seed can't grow where it it is at so the wind carries it to fertile ground where it is able to thrive. Beautiful illustrations and simple text make this a book for all ages.

Book Review: Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt

When an immaculately dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and asks you if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you

a) run

b) faint

c) say Yes!


For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for a bit of glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C--that is, once she can stop pinching herself. As her new agent Meredith explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula "Royal Rouge," she can transform temporarily into the exact lookalike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?

Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don't know? Or when a princess's conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off--and you know she would want you to change his mind?

In this hilarious, winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into something bigger: the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.


Princess for Hire is a sparkly clean, fun tween read. I thought it was such a cute story and smiled throughout. The story never lagged and kept my interest through out. It has a great message. I'm sharing this book with my ten year old daughter.

This is a great debut novel from Lindsey Leavitt. I'm looking forward to the sequel The Royal Treatment as well as her other book Sean Griswold's Head which is due out in March.

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From author for Review

Book Review: The Babysitter's Survival Guide by Jill D. Chasse

This handbook is the ultimate babysitter’s helper, a go-to guide with smart advice on everything from finding clients and snagging the job to entertaining, feeding, bathing, and lulling children to sleep. There are kid-friendly recipes to tempt the picky eater, cool activities for all age ranges, suggestions for handling tears, tantrums, and emergencies, and enough practical information to make even new sitters feel confident about their skills.

With its chapter tabs, make your own business cards, handy pockets, and perforated emergency information cards, this beautiful package is a must-have for all babysitters.

The Babysitter's Survival Guide by Jill D. Chasse is a great book for tweens who are ready to start babysitting. I gave this book to my ten year old daughter to "review". She and 2 of her friends had a great time reading through this book. They each prepared a babysitting bag filled with some of the items this book suggested to entertain the children they will babysit. They made up a cute flyer to hand out to neighbors with young children to advertise that they were available to babysit.  I ended up with a ton of peanut butter playdough on my kitchen counter after the experimented with making and playing with it.  My daughter is thrilled that the book is now hers to keep.
 
Included in the book is everything from how to change a diaper to bathing a child and putting them to bed. Information on what to expect from different ages of children to how to deal with problems that may be encounter to safety is included in this how-to book.

This book is a great resource to share with your tween who is excited to start babysitting.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Publisher for Review

Babysitter's Survival Guide on Amazon.com