Hello all. I must start by apologizing for the lack of blog updates. Head buried in work (buying books, cataloguing books, circulating books, hanging with my school kids) and reading for the cybils! Also preparing very slowing and surely for March of the Middle Grade 2014!
I will be back, though. Finally feeling organized and ready to be getting back in with the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts as well as sharing with you some of my Cybils Reading. I am so fortunate to be on a team of reader who love the middle grade and love to read to find the best of the best!
Ta for now!
Monday 28 October 2013
Monday 30 September 2013
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, #Cybils and other things Middle Grade
It is another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday as inspired by Shannon Messenger. I am heading over there to grow my to read list and see what all of you think of recent middle grade reads. Right now I am reading The Desperate Adventures of Zeno and Alya by Jane Kelley. Oh my. It is one of those books you put down and want to get right back to because of the characters. Love those two. They need each other and we need them to see the power of connections we can have even in passing. Anyhow, I am not done, but will be by end of today. Plan on making it my read to self book when hanging with the grade three's.
And it is the last MMGM of September AND I am thrilled that it is also the eve of Cybils Nominations.
I will be sitting on the panel with a group of fine first and second round judges for...you guessed it...middle grade fiction (realistic). Here we are:
Here is the description of our category, described on the Cybils site by Karen Yingling:
And it is the last MMGM of September AND I am thrilled that it is also the eve of Cybils Nominations.
I will be sitting on the panel with a group of fine first and second round judges for...you guessed it...middle grade fiction (realistic). Here we are:
Here is the description of our category, described on the Cybils site by Karen Yingling:
Middle Grade Fiction--Category Description
Middle grade fiction encompasses a wide range of stories that do not have magical elements and are geared toward the 8 to 12 year old age group. These stories could be mysteries, histories, humor, sports, adventure and other tales set in the real world. Books should containing mature content in regards to violence, sex or language are more appropriate for the Young Adult Fiction category.
Sometimes, they like to read about kids just like themselves in real life situations, whether they are kids who get good grades or constantly get into trouble. If these books are funny and action-packed, so much the better! On the other hand, since readers are expanding their world views, they often like to read about kids who are not like them—characters who have other interests, live in other places and times, have different kinds of families, and face struggles they may never have experienced.
The Cybils hopes to find realistic fiction books that are well-written and thought provoking but also make Middle Grade readers want to keep turning the pages. This is your chance to tell us what books you think middle grade readers will not only learn from but be excited about recommending to their friends.-Karen Yingling.
Here are my fellow judges:
Sometimes, they like to read about kids just like themselves in real life situations, whether they are kids who get good grades or constantly get into trouble. If these books are funny and action-packed, so much the better! On the other hand, since readers are expanding their world views, they often like to read about kids who are not like them—characters who have other interests, live in other places and times, have different kinds of families, and face struggles they may never have experienced.
The Cybils hopes to find realistic fiction books that are well-written and thought provoking but also make Middle Grade readers want to keep turning the pages. This is your chance to tell us what books you think middle grade readers will not only learn from but be excited about recommending to their friends.-Karen Yingling.
Here are my fellow judges:
First Round
Mark Buxton
http://buxtolicious.blogspot.com
http://buxtolicious.blogspot.com
Second Round
Start stopping by the cybils site beginning October 1 to make your nomination in this category and all the others.
Finally, Akoss and I are beginning to put together Middle Grade March 2014 (see last years event to experience what it is all about). We are reaching out to editors, agents, authors, bloggers and writers who have been part of it in the past and want to take part again and hopefully picking up some people to join us along the way, including debut 2014 middle grade authors. We will keep you posted over the next few months.
Ta for now!
Monday 9 September 2013
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday and the Best of Summer KidLit Hop Winner
I did not get around on the Best of Summer Kid Lit Hop as much as I wanted to, but really appreciate everyone who hopped by here to check out a couple of my favourite summer reads. Did the Random Org "thing" and the number was 28 and that commenter was:
Katie from http://youthlitreviews.com/ ! Congrats to Katie and thanks again to all who stopped by.
Now on to a rather delayed post. This is one I have been thinking on since mid-august while I was still running the Summer Reading Club. For that club I had an average of 17 9-12 year olds who came twice a week for two hours. We shared books, crafted, played games, did creative drama-ate! One of those kids was a 12 year old boy who loves to read Gordon Korman, who loves Holes, who read and loved-Hoot and Chomp by Carl Hissan. It was recommendation heaven for me because as I named off other books...he had not yet read them! Some of the books he took from me and loved are:
Wednesday Wars (an all time favorite of mine) by Gary D. Schmidt
Meet Holling Hoodhood, a seventh-grader at Camillo Junior High, who must spend Wednesday afternoons with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, while the rest of the class has religious instruction. Mrs. Baker doesn’t like Holling—he’s sure of it. Why else would she make him read the plays of William Shakespeare outside class? But everyone has bigger things to worry about, like Vietnam. His father wants Holling and his sister to be on their best behavior: the success of his business depends on it. But how can Holling stay out of trouble when he has so much to contend with? A bully demanding cream puffs; angry rats; and a baseball hero signing autographs the very same night Holling has to appear in a play in yellow tights! As fate sneaks up on him again and again, Holling finds Motivation—the Big M—in the most unexpected places and musters up the courage to embrace his destiny, in spite of himself.Scat by Carl Hissan (well, I was pretty sure he would like this one!)
Bunny Starch, the most feared biology teacher ever, is missing. She disappeared after a school field trip to Black Vine Swamp. And, to be honest, the kids in her class are relieved.But when the principal tries to tell the students that Mrs. Starch has been called away on a "family emergency," Nick and Marta just don't buy it. No, they figure the class delinquent, Smoke, has something to do with her disappearance.
And he does! But not in the way they think. There's a lot more going on in Black Vine Swamp than any one player in this twisted tale can see. And Nick and Marta will have to reckon with an eccentric eco-avenger, a stuffed rat named Chelsea, a wannabe Texas oilman, a singing substitute teacher, and a ticked-off Florida panther before they really begin to see the big picture.
Tucker McBean enters a contest to win a scholarship to college to enable his mother to quit her job so she can go to school. He has always loved to draw comics so when there is a contest to create a sidekick to a comic book hero, he is a natural to enter. He creates Beanboy who achieves power through the bean.
Al Capone Does My Shirts (what a concept, what characters, what voice!) Gennifer Choldenko
Today I moved to a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water. I'm not the only kid who lives here. There's my sister, Natalie, except she doesn't count. And there are twenty-three other kids who live on the island because their dads work as guards or cook's or doctors or electricians for the prison, like my dad does. Plus, there are a ton of murderers, rapists, hit men, con men, stickup men, embezzlers, connivers, burglars, kidnappers and maybe even an innocent man or two, though I doubt it. The convicts we have are the kind other prisons don't want. I never knew prisons could be picky, but I guess they can. You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to.Plunked by Michael Northrop (the way to story unfolded to show the MC's growing fear was really well done)
When a young slugger gets hit by a pitch, he needs more than practice to get back his game.Sixth grader Jack Mogens has it all figured out: He's got his batting routine down, and his outfielding earns him a starting spot alongside his best friend Andy on their Little League team, the Tall Pines Braves. He even manages to have a not-totally-embarrassing conversation with Katie, the team's killer shortstop. But in the first game of the season, a powerful stray pitch brings everything Jack's worked so hard for crashing down around his ears. How can he explain to his parents and friends why he WON'T be playing? Readers will root for Jack as he finds the courage to step back up to the plate.
I have more, many more to recommend to him, including Neil Armstrong Was My Uncle, The Fourth Stall...Okay for Now, Dead End in Norvelt, and Wonder and....well, the list goes on. If you have any you'd like me pass on do let me know!
That is it from me. Next week back into more full sharing and thoughts on some of the middle grade I have been reading, but really wanted to share what I've been sharing with one of my young patrons. Ta for now and do head back over to Shannon Messenger's for more MMGM love!
Monday 26 August 2013
Best of Summer 2013 Kid Lit Giveaway Hop
Welcome to the Best of Summer 2013: Kid Lit Giveaway Hop hosted byYouth Literature Reviews and Mother Daughter Book Reviews.
From YouthLitReviews: This giveaway hop is an opportunity for a community of kid lit bloggers, teen lit blogger, authors, and publishers to come together and share their favorite books of the summer! There are almost 70 great giveaways as part of this hop! Click here to check them out!
I am giving away one of two books. I will leave the choice up to you. Will be using Book Depository to send the book out and random.org to choose the winner from the comments. And that is how you enter. In the comments, with your book choice and email so I can contact you if you win. Now. On to the two books to chose from:
THE EMERALD ATLAS-Called “A new Narnia for the tween set” by the New York Times and perfect for fans of the His Dark Materials series, The Emerald Atlas brims with humor and action as it charts Kate, Michael, and Emma's extraordinary adventures through an unforgettable, enchanted world.
These three siblings have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.
Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.
Until now.
Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey through time to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And—if an ancient prophesy is correct—what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right. (Good Reads)
ZERO TOLERANCE-Seventh-grader Sierra Shepard has always been the perfect student, so when she sees that she accidentally brought her mother's lunch bag to school, including a paring knife, she immediately turns in the knife at the school office. Much to her surprise, her beloved principal places her in in-school suspension and sets a hearing for her expulsion, citing the school's ironclad no weapons policy. While there, Sierra spends time with Luke, a boy who's known as a troublemaker, and discovers that he's not the person she assumed he would be--and that the lines between good and bad aren't as clear as she once thought. (Good Reads)Happy Hopping Everyone!
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
What? Another Monday is here already? The time is a flying by and that is fine with me because tomorrow is my first day at the new school. Prep time before the kids are back, oh yes yes it is. I here I must SQUEE. Even went shopping for new school clothes. Will confess that it was all I could do to keep myself from buying school supplies.
This is the final Marvelous Middle Grade Monday of the summer! Hope you had a great one and are looking forward to the fall.
It's always been my favourite time of year and now even more so because of #Cybils. Even if you are not applying, start thinking of books in all the different categories that you'd like to see nominated. I did apply again this year and even if I don't get placed on my panels of choice I am ready to take part by nominating and helping spread the word!Here is some of my Marvelous Middle Grade reads, I recommend you check out:
Oh my, what a ride. It has everything that would have appealed to middle grade me who loved dark and scary, creepy gothic style. It also captivated with the crazy world the siblings are pulled into via a curse unleashed by a rather nasty being. And I loved loved the sibling relationship...so real, believable, it really made the book pop. Siblings with very different personalities that will clash, but when the going gets tough the sibs get tight. Good stuff.
From Goodreads:
The Walker kids had it all: loving parents, a big house in San Francisco, all the latest video games . . . but everything changed when their father lost his job as a result of an inexplicable transgression. Now the family is moving into Kristoff House, a mysterious place built nearly a century earlier by Denver Kristoff, a troubled writer with a penchant for the occult.
Suddenly the siblings find themselves launched on an epic journey into a mash-up world born of Kristoff’s dangerous imagination, to retrieve a dark book of untold power, uncover the Walker family’s secret history and save their parents . . . and maybe even the world.
Speaking of showing real and true family relationships. This book does that via the voice of Billy Miller. A short novel with fourth sections that take us through those relationships and into the year. Billy is in grade two, so it will most likely have the highest appeal to younger and same age. However, I am thinking this will be one to share with my third graders. In both cases with readers who are already strong or as was pointed out in a review (can't remember which! Maybe Ms. Yingling?) as a read aloud. I am a huge Kevin Henkes fan and think he is a master at portraying kids in their family and peer dynamics in his picture books and novels.
From Goodreads:
When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. What a way to start second grade, with a lump on your head! As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family and a help to his busy working mom and stay-at-home dad. Newbery Honor author and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes delivers a short, satisfying, laugh-out-loud-funny school and family story that features a diorama homework assignment, a school poetry slam, cancelled sleepovers, and epic sibling temper tantrums. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white art by the author, this is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades. Yeah, so quite likely more a chapter book than a middle grade-especially when it comes to Cybil Nominations?
Ta for now and thanks for stopping by. Will see you around the blogosphere as I head over to Shannon Messenger's to see what Marvelous Middle Grade Goodness she is a rounding up for us!
Monday 19 August 2013
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with The Heartbreak Kid, #Cybils and Some Housekeeping
Hey all! I am back and ready to roll with blogging at my new spot, "My Library Notebook". I kind of messed up how I made the switch so I know some of you are wondering where my blog disappeared to! I re-directed my domain back to my host servers. It is now going to function as my author website, www.debamarshall.com . Have non-fiction middle grade book on Russia coming out with Weigl Publishers so just making preparations for that.
ALSO--this fall I start my dream job which is running a school library. Hence the "My Library Notebook". Thought when I did the nifty switcharoo, you would all still be pointed to this blog. NOPE. So, here I is at mylibrarynotebook@blogspot.ca
CYBILS are here, they are here! Love this time of year.
Applications are open for Cybils Judges! Please do go read the requirements and if you think you are a fit, apply. Don't think it is not possible, or that you are not qualified. If you love children's literature, read it, blog about it, review it, this could be for you. And if you are not successful the first or second time, apply again. That is what I did. Now, lots and lots of reading is required as a first round judge...you will be giving over your live for a couple of months. But let me tell you it is so worth it to be part of a team of professionals who are just as passionate about finding the best of the best when it comes to high kid appeal with the kind of literary quality that makes you go...whoa.
Finally, it is Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Boy I love this day and so appreciate that decided that Middle Grade deserved a special day. Speaking of Marvelous Midde Grade, watch for announcements coming this fall and winter about The March of the Middle Grade, formerly hosted by Jill at the Owl. This 2014 it will be Akoss and myself taking it over.
Shannon Messenger
My suggested read for this Monday is The Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance. Watch this book trailer:
Read this blurb from Goodreads: Twelve-year-old Quentin never asked to be "The Heartbreak Messenger," it just kind of happened - and he's not one to let a golden opportunity pass him by. The valuable communications service he offers is simple: he delivers break-up messages. For a small fee, he will deliver such a message to your soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. If you order the deluxe package, he'll even throw in some flowers and a box of chocolates...well, you don't want to leave a girl completely alone.
At first, Quentin's entrepreneurial brainchild is surprisingly successful. But as he interacts with clients and message recipients, from the teary-eyed football player to the dangerously powerful soccer chick, it doesn't take him long to start wondering whether his business will create negative repercussions in how life, especially for his relationship with his long-time best friend Abigail. Quentin discovers the game of love and the emotions that go with it are as complicated as they come - even for an almost innocent bystander.
ALSO--this fall I start my dream job which is running a school library. Hence the "My Library Notebook". Thought when I did the nifty switcharoo, you would all still be pointed to this blog. NOPE. So, here I is at mylibrarynotebook@blogspot.ca
CYBILS are here, they are here! Love this time of year.
Finally, it is Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Boy I love this day and so appreciate that decided that Middle Grade deserved a special day. Speaking of Marvelous Midde Grade, watch for announcements coming this fall and winter about The March of the Middle Grade, formerly hosted by Jill at the Owl. This 2014 it will be Akoss and myself taking it over.Shannon Messenger
My suggested read for this Monday is The Heartbreak Messenger by Alexander Vance. Watch this book trailer:
Read this blurb from Goodreads: Twelve-year-old Quentin never asked to be "The Heartbreak Messenger," it just kind of happened - and he's not one to let a golden opportunity pass him by. The valuable communications service he offers is simple: he delivers break-up messages. For a small fee, he will deliver such a message to your soon-to-be ex-girlfriend. If you order the deluxe package, he'll even throw in some flowers and a box of chocolates...well, you don't want to leave a girl completely alone.
At first, Quentin's entrepreneurial brainchild is surprisingly successful. But as he interacts with clients and message recipients, from the teary-eyed football player to the dangerously powerful soccer chick, it doesn't take him long to start wondering whether his business will create negative repercussions in how life, especially for his relationship with his long-time best friend Abigail. Quentin discovers the game of love and the emotions that go with it are as complicated as they come - even for an almost innocent bystander.
And let me tell you this one if filled with heart and funny and believable kid characters who are on the cusp of becoming teens, but still very much middle graders. This is a book I could easily hand to a boy or girl. At first I was concerned that the cover might be something I'd have to talk a boy into taking, but after seeing the video and taking a second look at it, that could just be me-either way I am totally book talking this one. Heck, I will even quote the author if I have to. From his website:
Don't let the pastel hearts on the cover of this book fool you. It's chock full of manly chest-thumping testosterone. Heck, I cry every time I read it.
I mean, I laugh.
Laugh every time I read it.
Laugh until I cry. Yeah...that's it.
Have one young summer reading club member (boy) who I am pretty sure will love this. He is a fan of Gordon Kormon, Louis B. Sacher and Gary D. Schmidt. I am saying he and many others will be a fan of Alexander Vance!
Until next Monday all!
Monday 22 July 2013
Still on that Blog Break
Howdy all! Still on the blog break but will be heading to Shannon Messenger's Marvelous Middle Grade Monday Round-Up next week with a guest post.
Hope summer is treating you all well. Ta for now.
Monday 8 July 2013
MMGM and an out of this WORLD Visit with @AceHansenMG
Hey all! Taking a break from a break because I have a really important visitor with me today. He actually let me ask a few questions about him and his upcoming release! And before you continue with the interview, do let apologize about the smell...green farts you know. Not me! Not me! Him. Seriously, Ace. You could have held on to that one.
Okay, maybe not. Anyway, here is some information on Ace's book.
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And now....the interview!
I have been following your book release countdown on twitter. A tweetdown if you will. Can you give my readers an update on your book release date? The ebook releases on July 12th, 2013. The print book will be out sometime before December.Share some thoughts on why it is a must read? Because everyone needs to laugh out loud. And let's face it, green farts are funny!
Do you have a favorite writing spot? My bed. Snack? Gummy worms. Send me some, okay? Writer gear and wear?Pajamas. Anything similar to Anglelina? Since I live inside of her (I'm kind of a parasite) we enjoy all the same habits.
Any great writing tips you have picked up from your mentor? She's a slave driver! Once she gets going, it's every day. Day in and day out. She never takes a day off! But she feeds me gummy worms, so I tolerate her. Angelina is your mentor I assume? She's more like an odd older sister.
Future projects you can share with us? There's a clue in the last chapter of the book. Even super secret ones? Bead spring. Mogollon natives. Time travel. That's all I'm saying' We promise to not tell anyone. Sure you won't!!!
How are you enjoying life as a debut author? I've published thousands of books on my home planet, but this is a first for Planet Earth. I'll let you know how much I'm enjoying this debut author life when I figure out how many gummy worms I can buy from the sale of this book. I'm hoping for at least 10000 pounds. That ought to last me a few months.
How are you planning school visits. I'll be appearing as myself. Green skin and everything. Angelina works for the local school district, so I'm hoping she can get me past the principals.You will be taking Angelina with you? Nope. I"ll be going it alone. She's too old and too serious. Doesn't even laugh at my jokes. And she refuses to buy me gummy worms after the last incident. . .Let her do some of the talking? No way!Are you looking forward to visits in person and possibly via Skype? I can't wait. Earth kids are hilarious. They ask the funniest questions!
I have a feeling that you have a burning question you really wanted me to ask. Why don't you just go on ahead and answer it. Um, tell us what the question is too please. Do aliens fart green, you ask? Yes we do! And our gas smells like turtle breath. Ace.....don't you dare fart right now.
Here's my website: http://www.acehansenmg.com
Here's the link where you can buy the book from the publisher: http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore2/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=652&category_id=144&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1
I'm really hoping it shows up on Amazon soon!
Me too, Ace! Thanks for sharing your website. Hope you don't mind, I am going to share Angelina's website, too. And her twitter handle...and yours too of course!
Angelina's website. She is just an all around awesome write you keeps #wipmadness running year round. Her twitter handle.
Happy MMGM all! And see you back over on Shannon Messenger's site where it all started!
Monday 1 July 2013
Happy Canada Day and Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Wishing all of my family and fellow Canadians a happy Canada Day. Will be spending the day with family and friends taking in some of the events in our wee town!
My summer reading is moving right along I must say and my reading pile is slowly going down. Also working my way through many a net galley ARC! Having said that what I am falling behind in is my blogging and writing. So this week there is no blog post for MMGM and I am thinking that it is time to....gads...choose which one will get my focus this summer. Had I taken a page from some fellow bloggers and done posts up ahead of time this would not have been a choice I had to make. So will be using that page next summer for sure. And the choice goes to...
writing. Working on those picture books and that novel. Taking part in #teacherswrite.
I know I am going to miss the blogging and sharing what I am loving to read. Heck, I may not be able to stay away. But, ta for now and will see you all on twitter and your blogs as I make the rounds to see what you are all up to!
Finally, when I do start posting the book love I should have a new blog that will be dedicated to being a school librarian, the books I read, the books I share. I imagine I will also be learning a thing or two from the kids I work with!
writing. Working on those picture books and that novel. Taking part in #teacherswrite.
I know I am going to miss the blogging and sharing what I am loving to read. Heck, I may not be able to stay away. But, ta for now and will see you all on twitter and your blogs as I make the rounds to see what you are all up to!
Finally, when I do start posting the book love I should have a new blog that will be dedicated to being a school librarian, the books I read, the books I share. I imagine I will also be learning a thing or two from the kids I work with!
Monday 24 June 2013
#MMGM with The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens
In order to prepare to read The Fire Chronicle (provided by the publisher) by John Stephens, I needed to read the first in the series. This one:
These three siblings have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.
Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.
Until now.
Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey through time to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And—if an ancient prophesy is correct—what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right.
I cannot begin to tell you how good it was. No, wait a minute! Yes I can. The fantasy world, character development and plotting was so good I was marveling when I wasn't lost in the world created. I also really enjoyed all the hints of other fairytales, books, mythology that were included-added a surprising depth and reality to the book that made me admire the author's skills even more. Plus, I must add that the plot is a little complicated and I truly appreciated how the author recapped-it was done so well and it never felt like an information dump. Some might feel this way? I am not sure. But he did it via characters having to update each other on what had happened to them. I found how he did this rather kind of well done. Would be interested to see what others think. Each of the siblings had their own arc that was subtle and believable and there were moments where the author backed them into a corner you would think they couldn't possibly get out. I won't tell you who gets out of what mess, but will encourage you to read this and also recommend it to your young readers who are fans of fantasy with some serious scary moments and battles.
I will be reading The Fire Chronicle this week and I must say I am very excited to be doing so.
More on the book from the publisher:
Called “A new Narnia for the tween set” by the New York Times and perfect for fans of the His Dark Materials series, The Emerald Atlas brims with humor and action as it charts Kate, Michael, and Emma's extraordinary adventures through an unforgettable, enchanted world.
These three siblings have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.
Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.
Until now.
Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey through time to dangerous and secret corners of the world...a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And—if an ancient prophesy is correct—what they do can change history, and it is up to them to set things right.
Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday all and here is the link to head back to Shannon Messenger's. She's the one who started all this Monday fun for us Middle Grade readers. And she has a review and a giveaway to day!
Sunday 16 June 2013
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday with one of my #Bookaday Reads-RUMP by Liesl Shurtliff
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The end of June is fast approaching. As some of you know I am taking part in Nerdy Book Club's #bookaday Summer Reading challenge. Wasn't going to start until end of June when school is out in these parts (Alberta, Canada), but..too fun to not start. Will also say this is more like a book every other day or so challenge. So, for this Marvelous Middle Grade Monday I will be sharing one of my reads so far. This is one that a few of you have already read and loved. I can see why the love is there.
From Goodreads: In a magical kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke. But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold. His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.
To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I truly enjoyed this book. Loved it, actually and with each page turn was so impressed with the author's writing skill and how she drew me into Rump's story and had me laughing and crying for him. He is a true hero in my books and absolutely the kind of character you want to cheer on and on for. The journey he embarks on is one that he thinks he has no choice on and yet he learns that he really is in charge of his own destiny. Plus, this is a darn witty imagining of the Rumplestilkin tale that weaves in a variety of other fairy tales and the people and creatures therein. By doing so she gives even greater depth and fun to this story. I should add that not a single use of other fairytales whether just referenced or an integral part of the main story was gratuitous and at the same time I don't think you have to know every tale that is referenced to be able to enjoy the book. This is a character kids will relate too. A kid trying to find his way, make friends and feel like he belongs. When I was finished and preparing this post I went to the author's site to see if there would be more because I didn't want to end my stay and plus her writing is so good I want to read more of it. The answer can be found here. And that answer is yes. She is working on a companion novel that is set in the same world. I am already looking forward to heading back.
As for sharing this with kids when I start to work full time in the library this fall? You can bet I will be.
Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday all! Here is the link so you can head back to Shannon Messenger's website and carry on with your reading list building and seeing what others think of books you've read.
To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I truly enjoyed this book. Loved it, actually and with each page turn was so impressed with the author's writing skill and how she drew me into Rump's story and had me laughing and crying for him. He is a true hero in my books and absolutely the kind of character you want to cheer on and on for. The journey he embarks on is one that he thinks he has no choice on and yet he learns that he really is in charge of his own destiny. Plus, this is a darn witty imagining of the Rumplestilkin tale that weaves in a variety of other fairy tales and the people and creatures therein. By doing so she gives even greater depth and fun to this story. I should add that not a single use of other fairytales whether just referenced or an integral part of the main story was gratuitous and at the same time I don't think you have to know every tale that is referenced to be able to enjoy the book. This is a character kids will relate too. A kid trying to find his way, make friends and feel like he belongs. When I was finished and preparing this post I went to the author's site to see if there would be more because I didn't want to end my stay and plus her writing is so good I want to read more of it. The answer can be found here. And that answer is yes. She is working on a companion novel that is set in the same world. I am already looking forward to heading back.
As for sharing this with kids when I start to work full time in the library this fall? You can bet I will be.
Happy Marvelous Middle Grade Monday all! Here is the link so you can head back to Shannon Messenger's website and carry on with your reading list building and seeing what others think of books you've read.
Wednesday 12 June 2013
Fifth Annual #Bookaday Reading Challenge
The Nerdy Book Club Book's #Bookaday Challenge is just what I have been looking for. My TBR piles are massive and marvelous and ever growing, so this challenge will keep me reading and focused on trying to get a book a day read. Will I achieve this? Not sure, but I going to have a whole lot of fun trying. And as they say, there may be day where you don't get a book read, but another where you get two...and it still counts.
I will be reading a lot of middle grade and picture books. I also have three professional books I will read as I prepare for my new position at a k-3 school. Mrs. Marshall in the house!
My to choose from areas for #bookaday include:
Some Middle Grade I have yet to read and that have been on to read lists for rather too long. This includes Newberry award winners like:
The One and Only Ivan
Moon Over Manifest
Kira-Kira
A Year Down Yonder
Maniac Magee
Lincoln A Photobiography
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nim
Picture Books focus on 2013 releases with some retro can-you-believe-I-have-not-read-this-one reads
Teen Fiction-thinking Cassandra Clare's series, plus I have quite a number that I have read book one and not book two or three...
Adult Fiction:
James Pattersons Woman's Mystery Club
Professional reading:
The Book Whisperer
The Daily Five
The Cafe Book
Reading Essentials
I will be starting June 28 as that will be my first day of summer!
I will be reading a lot of middle grade and picture books. I also have three professional books I will read as I prepare for my new position at a k-3 school. Mrs. Marshall in the house!
My to choose from areas for #bookaday include:
Some Middle Grade I have yet to read and that have been on to read lists for rather too long. This includes Newberry award winners like:
The One and Only Ivan
Moon Over Manifest
Kira-Kira
A Year Down Yonder
Maniac Magee
Lincoln A Photobiography
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nim
Picture Books focus on 2013 releases with some retro can-you-believe-I-have-not-read-this-one reads
Teen Fiction-thinking Cassandra Clare's series, plus I have quite a number that I have read book one and not book two or three...
Adult Fiction:
James Pattersons Woman's Mystery Club
Professional reading:
The Book Whisperer
The Daily Five
The Cafe Book
Reading Essentials
I will be starting June 28 as that will be my first day of summer!
Sunday 9 June 2013
48 Hour Book Challenge-FinishLine
Made it! I have participated in this before but this is by far the most I have read so pretty darned pleased with that. Thanks to Ms. Yingling and Abby the Librarian for running the challenge this year. Looking forward to next year already. In the meantime I am on the hunt for the next read-a-thon. Kinda love doing them.
Here's my final breakdown:
Pages read-1863
Hours read: 22 hours 24 Minutes
Blogging-2.5 hours
The books:
Besides the ones I read in this post I also read:
GRAVE MERCY by Robin Lefevers-was already half way through this one and was glad to have the time to finally finish it. Very good. The setting, the history, the fantasy elements, the political intrigue, the assassin nuns kept me hooked and reading to the last page at which time I just closed the book and sighed. A solid good read. Best part is I have book two in the series!v Purchased this one.
HOLES by Louis B. Sachar. Yep. In spite of my many years in the library this was one I had not read. Read it now and must say I do see why it won the Newbery. I've also talked to many a kid who has read a loved it, either on their own or as part of a classroom. Borrowed from the library.
SAVING ARMPIT by Natalie Hyde-Underdog baseball team, underdog town, underdog post office all come together in a flurry of baseball, mail (and delicious danishes) and doing what it takes to come out on top. My gosh, what a delightful and funny read for fans of baseball and fans of laugh out loud funny and fans of seeing the underdog win. Netgalley ARC.
IN SEARCH OF GOLIATHUS HERCULES by Jennifer Angus-What a concept for a book. The author wrote and intriguing tale about a boy who talks to insects and runs away to join the circus-a flea circus of course. Woven in that is the mystery of what happened to his father and an evil woman who has a rather unhealthly interest in the boy and his insect abilities. Combine that an well developed historical setting and what I think is a great middle grade read. And twist. Oh the twist! Netgalley ARC.
Here's my final breakdown:
Pages read-1863
Hours read: 22 hours 24 Minutes
Blogging-2.5 hours
The books:
Besides the ones I read in this post I also read:
GRAVE MERCY by Robin Lefevers-was already half way through this one and was glad to have the time to finally finish it. Very good. The setting, the history, the fantasy elements, the political intrigue, the assassin nuns kept me hooked and reading to the last page at which time I just closed the book and sighed. A solid good read. Best part is I have book two in the series!v Purchased this one.
HOLES by Louis B. Sachar. Yep. In spite of my many years in the library this was one I had not read. Read it now and must say I do see why it won the Newbery. I've also talked to many a kid who has read a loved it, either on their own or as part of a classroom. Borrowed from the library.
SAVING ARMPIT by Natalie Hyde-Underdog baseball team, underdog town, underdog post office all come together in a flurry of baseball, mail (and delicious danishes) and doing what it takes to come out on top. My gosh, what a delightful and funny read for fans of baseball and fans of laugh out loud funny and fans of seeing the underdog win. Netgalley ARC.
IN SEARCH OF GOLIATHUS HERCULES by Jennifer Angus-What a concept for a book. The author wrote and intriguing tale about a boy who talks to insects and runs away to join the circus-a flea circus of course. Woven in that is the mystery of what happened to his father and an evil woman who has a rather unhealthly interest in the boy and his insect abilities. Combine that an well developed historical setting and what I think is a great middle grade read. And twist. Oh the twist! Netgalley ARC.
48 Hour Book Challenge Stats and Reading So Far
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Getting my pics up a tad late, but here is where I have been reading from. Now, I tried and I tried to get this one to flip around the right way but could not for the life of me get it to work, hence the sideways views!
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This is the pile of books I have been choosing from. It includes my Kindle because I have a few books on there, too. Would that I could read fast enough to get through those piles!
So far I have read:
FAR FAR AWAY by Tom McNeal
From GOODREADS: It says quite a lot about Jeremy Johnson Johnson that the strangest thing about him isn't even the fact his mother and father both had the same last name. Jeremy once admitted he's able to hear voices, and the townspeople of Never Better have treated him like an outsider since. After his mother left, his father became a recluse, and it's been up to Jeremy to support the family. But it hasn't been up to Jeremy alone. The truth is, Jeremy can hear voices. Or, specificially, one voice: the voice of the ghost of Jacob Grimm, one half of the infamous writing duo, The Brothers Grimm. Jacob watches over Jeremy, protecting him from an unknown dark evil whispered about in the space between this world and the next. But when the provocative local girl Ginger Boultinghouse takes an interest in Jeremy (and his unique abilities), a grim chain of events is put into motion. And as anyone familiar with the Grimm Brothers know, not all fairy tales have happy endings. . .Thoughts: At first I thought this was off to a too slow start for a MG but then realized this is a YA. Not sure where I got that notion but once I realigned my thinking I found myself sinking further and further into this one. Just some darn good writing that wove in the paranormal in the form of one of the Brothers Grimm along with the mystery of missing children. And the echoes of fairy tales within the story was just darn brilliant. The first half was like the quiet beige the storm, settin up the last half which I could not read fast enough. Everything came into play for a crazy tension filled run to the end. Got this from the publisher via Net Galley.
ZERO TOLERANCE by Claudia Mills
Thoughts: Found this one quite captivating, especially watching what happens when a kid gets caught between two adults (father and principal) who won't back down, can't back down and their posturing only makes things work. That is quite a scenario to be trying to spread your wings and figure out who you are besides the school's champion of doing the right thing, following the rules. In spite of it all Sierra realizes things are not so black and white. The friendship between good girl and bad boy was really well done and the evolving potential for girlfriend boyfriend perfectly believable for the tween crowd.
And for a complete change of pace I have been listened to and read THE 4th OF JULY by James Patterson. Fast paced and I quite enjoyed it, but not as much as the first three. Fin shed this one this morning. Tried to power through last night, but when the clock struck midnight my eyes closed and I couldn't stay awake.
Next up is HOLES by Louis B. Sacher. I have read many many of this author's books-but not this one. Yeah. After I am done holes not sure which one will be next.
Stats:
Hours-13.0
-reading-11.0
-blogging and social Media-2.0
Pages-891
Saturday 8 June 2013
48 Hour Book Challenge-Starting Line
EDITED: Now that I have taken a breath and sloooowed myself down, I am going to say that I will be taking part in the 48 Hour Book Challenge until tomorrow at midnight. That basically means I will not be counting any reading time from yesterday because I TOTALLY missed the boat on signing up in time. So, this start up post is also a check-in post for today.
Here's what I am reading:
James Patterson's THE FOURTH OF JULY (Women's Murder Club) and Tom McNeal's Far Far Away. Should be done both of those with the next few hours as am now speedy fasting up my reading.
Speaking of speedy fasting it up. I will use my one hour time of social media right now, then hustle back to the reading.
Hope you are all reading up a storm!
Quick stats:
reading time-2 hours
social media- 30 mins
pages-not sure
Now. I have some serious reading/hours to put in between now and tomorrow night. Ciao fellow readers and will be back later with an update during my next 30 mins of social media. Off to read for three hours!
Here's what I am reading:
James Patterson's THE FOURTH OF JULY (Women's Murder Club) and Tom McNeal's Far Far Away. Should be done both of those with the next few hours as am now speedy fasting up my reading.
Speaking of speedy fasting it up. I will use my one hour time of social media right now, then hustle back to the reading.
Hope you are all reading up a storm!
Quick stats:
reading time-2 hours
social media- 30 mins
pages-not sure
Now. I have some serious reading/hours to put in between now and tomorrow night. Ciao fellow readers and will be back later with an update during my next 30 mins of social media. Off to read for three hours!
Monday 3 June 2013
MMGM-The Farwalkers Quest by Joni Sensel plus some giveaway WINNERS!
Greetings and a happy late Marvelous Middle Grade Monday all. Was busy and fun past week for me with lots of reading of middle grade for #middlegrademay, which was my plan to get caught up with some middle grade reads that have been in my TBR piles for a rather long time. Did get quite caught up, not as much as I would have liked, but still more than if I had not put on the big push! Now it back to regular MMGM posts as inspired by Shannon Messenger! This week I am talking about a fantasy that I kind of LOVED. The Farwalkers Quest by Joni Sensil. And keep on reading for the winner of giveaway announcements.
From Goodreads: Ariel has always been curious, but when she and her best friend Zeke stumble upon a mysterious old telling dart she feels an unexplained need to figure out what it means. Magically flying great distances and only revealing their messages to the intended recipient, telling darts haven’t been used for years, and no one knows how they work. So when two strangers show up looking for the dart, Ariel and Zeke realize that their discovery is not only interesting, but very dangerous. The telling dart and the strangers lead them on a journey more perilous and encompassing than either can imagine, and in the process both Zeke and Ariel find their true calling.
From me: Loved this book. Still think about it from writer's perspective because the writing is so tight, the world building amazing, the tension, the pacing, bang on. When I didn't think things could get much worse for Ariel-they did, but the author managed to not crush her character in a way that made me think she could not possibly recover-Ariel was always up for the challenge (until of course she thought she couldn't do it, but by then we know she can). And when Ariel did find that strength it was completely and utterly believable. Her sidekick is darn good too. Always there, supporting her, Zeke is a fully drawn character in his own right, but not a scene stealer. In other words he didn't over shadow her. The mentor? FaBUlous. He was not obvious at first, but you hope its him. And the bad guy is bad. He will do anything to get what he wants. He is cruel and there is no doubt that this is a life or death quest for Ariel and her freinds. I was on the edge of my seat, I was crying, I was laughing. This is one I am excited to hand over to young readers. Pretty sure they are going to like it, too.
Next up are some giveaway winners.
****** Armchair Giveaway Winner*******
I used Random.Org and the result was:
Tallulah of MAD Hoydenish -congrats!!! congrats!!!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to comment, share books and or posts. Love Armchair BEA oh yes I do. See you all next year!
*********Marvelous Middle Grade May Winners**********
Read One Middle Grade Book:
25 dollar gift certificate from a book location of your choice goes to
Read Two to Five Middle Grade Books
40 dollar gift certificate from a book location of your choice goes to
Read Six or More Middle Grade Books
60 dollar gift certificate of from a book location of your choice and a middle grade six pack that includes the first three first three of Arthur Slade's The Hunchback Assignments goes to
Thanks so much for taking part everyone. Hope you see you in 2014 when Akoss and I take on Middle Grade March a.k.a. March of the Middle Grade!
Friday 31 May 2013
Marvelous Middle Grade May Final Check-In.
Greetings all! This month slid away on me and the last few days have been crazy...a good kind of crazy because I am taking part in ArmChair Bea (see sidebar) and having a rather good time. The reading slowed and I have finished a book since the beginning of the week. There are a few I really hope to have finished by the end of the day.
How did you all do this month? I know quite a few of you are in the running for the grand prize draw.
Thanks for taking part in this. As I keep harping (harp harp) I did this really last minute because of my own need to get through some Middle Grade Reading that has been in wings for too long, so was winging it much of the time. Glad you stuck with me through the ride! Best part of all of this is what grew out of it:
-meeting new bloggers
-getting to know other bloggers a little bit better
-growing my to read list and knowledge base where middle grade is concerned
-getting books read that have been in my to read pile for rather too long
-finding out about The 48 Hour Read-A-Thon! Missed it last year, but not so this, because the host Ms. Yingling Reads has been taking part in our MMGMay and I came upon the post saying she was taking over. YAY! Hope some of you can join in the fun.
And the bestest part is that Jill of OWLforYA has given me the go ahead (with the help now of Co-Host Akoss!) to take over March of the Middle Grade. So please do stay tuned over the months as Akoss and I prepare of March of the Middle Grade 2014.
How about all of you? And any thoughts, suggestions you have for March 2014 do let me know!
All best and enjoy your weekend. Will be announcing who won what on Monday.
How did you all do this month? I know quite a few of you are in the running for the grand prize draw.
Thanks for taking part in this. As I keep harping (harp harp) I did this really last minute because of my own need to get through some Middle Grade Reading that has been in wings for too long, so was winging it much of the time. Glad you stuck with me through the ride! Best part of all of this is what grew out of it:
-meeting new bloggers
-getting to know other bloggers a little bit better
-growing my to read list and knowledge base where middle grade is concerned
-getting books read that have been in my to read pile for rather too long
-finding out about The 48 Hour Read-A-Thon! Missed it last year, but not so this, because the host Ms. Yingling Reads has been taking part in our MMGMay and I came upon the post saying she was taking over. YAY! Hope some of you can join in the fun.
And the bestest part is that Jill of OWLforYA has given me the go ahead (with the help now of Co-Host Akoss!) to take over March of the Middle Grade. So please do stay tuned over the months as Akoss and I prepare of March of the Middle Grade 2014.
How about all of you? And any thoughts, suggestions you have for March 2014 do let me know!
All best and enjoy your weekend. Will be announcing who won what on Monday.
Thursday 30 May 2013
#ArmchairBea-Day Three-Giveaway!
Hey hey fellow Armchair BEA peeps!
It is GIVEAWAY day. Suweet I say.
Thought I would make this as easy (ish) as possible.
I will buy you a book of your choice (up to 25.00 U.S). This will be international as long as Book Depository delivers to you.
I am thinking that with all your travels this BEA week you will come across a book that you just MUST have or there may be a book you've been wanting for a while now and just haven't been able to get.
Link to one of your #armchairbea posts or let me know what book you think you might get or both! Giveaway ends Sunday June 2, 2013 at midnight (mst).
That be it.
Happy Hopping!
It is GIVEAWAY day. Suweet I say.
Thought I would make this as easy (ish) as possible.
My giveaway is:
I will buy you a book of your choice (up to 25.00 U.S). This will be international as long as Book Depository delivers to you.
I am thinking that with all your travels this BEA week you will come across a book that you just MUST have or there may be a book you've been wanting for a while now and just haven't been able to get.
To enter:
Link to one of your #armchairbea posts or let me know what book you think you might get or both! Giveaway ends Sunday June 2, 2013 at midnight (mst).
That be it.
Happy Hopping!
Wednesday 29 May 2013
#ArmchairBea-Day 2-Blogger Development and Genre Fiction
Day 2 we talk about how we develop ourselves as bloggers. Have you branched out into your community? Do you partner with other bloggers? Have you gone "pro" or begun supplementing your income through your blog? Are you a long-term blogger, and how has your online personality developed over the years? These are simply ideas. Think development and tell us what comes to mind.
When I first started out I got myself involved in a lot of giveaways and blog hops, mostly related to reading for children and teens. It went fast and furious and I was a little amazed at the number of followers I got. But I realized something. It went so fast and furious I didn't really give myself time to truly develop a voice or figure out exactly how I would blog, for who, for why...in other words I did not go much beyond the I knew I wanted to blog because I love talking books, I love helping authors spread the word about the books they write and how they write them. Over the couple of years I did that I began revising the feel of my blog, much like I would revise a book. Out of that grew me knowing I love being part of a community of regular blog posters. Made myself get brave and joined in with something called Marvelous Middle Grade Monday that was developed my Shannon Messenger. From there I got to know many other bloggers and writers of middle grade and the blogging narrowed to just doing it primarily on Mondays...and being okay with that! I also learned pretty quick to just blog as myself. I often found myself thinking oh Deb, your reviews are kind of juvenile, they are not as professional as some are, they do not provide the detail and you are only talking about the books you really really liked. Took me some time to just say...THAT IS OKAY...that is how I want to blog. It's very much how I would be in person if you met me at a bookstore and asked me to recommend some books to you. Plus, with writing and work, blogging just on a Monday is what works best. Right now that is.
I have taken a couple of leaps, reached out to offer guest blog posts on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays, organized my own Marvelous Middle Grade Reads and most recently doing a Marvelous Middle Grade May Reading Challenge. Next year I will be doing it in March. Talked to Jill at Owl and she won't be doing it so will be stepping into her shoes with the help of fellow blogger, writer, artist Akoss. Reaching out to this incredible community has served me well. I swear I am becoming less and less shy!
So.
The most important thing I have learned is to be myself, don't compare. Follow my passion and hopefully it will show on my blog. And if I try something new and it does not work (not talking in terms of comments, cause sometimes I get very few and that's totally okay!) for me and my time, it is all good. Figure I am a work in progress, always will be, therefore so is my blog!
The book-ish focus will be genre fiction. What draws you to a specific genre? Do vampires, zombies, or witches float your boat? Or, do you prefer the heat of romance? Recommend your favorite genres and/or books and help build reader TBR shelves a bit more!
When I was a teen I thought I would not like fantasy. There was no real reason for it. I just thought it was something I would not like so never really tried it. Same as an early adult. THEN I went to work in youth services for a public library and I was given a required reading list. On it was The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. Playing Beattie Bow by Ruth Park. The love affair began. I was also shaking my head as I read more and more fantasy. It was something I would have LOVED. These days I read it all. Vampires, zombies (Johnathan Mayberry's series anyone? Rot and Ruin oh yeah baby). Witches, urban fantasy. I am drawn by the worlds, the humour, the absolute realness it all represents when it comes to the human condition, the incredible writing chops of the authors when it comes to character development, themes, settings...world building.
Some authors I recommend:
Holly Black (YA and MG-urban fantasy)
Joni Sensel (MG-fantasy, dystopian, crazy good...just finished reading The Farwalker's Quest)
Heather Brewer
Patricia Briggs (adult urban fantasy)
Cinda Chima (mg and ya)
Anne of Green Gables (oopsies, Anne, you don't belong in this list...but how cool would it be? Can you imagine how much she would love to live in an Urban Fantasy world?!!?)
Ta for now!
When I first started out I got myself involved in a lot of giveaways and blog hops, mostly related to reading for children and teens. It went fast and furious and I was a little amazed at the number of followers I got. But I realized something. It went so fast and furious I didn't really give myself time to truly develop a voice or figure out exactly how I would blog, for who, for why...in other words I did not go much beyond the I knew I wanted to blog because I love talking books, I love helping authors spread the word about the books they write and how they write them. Over the couple of years I did that I began revising the feel of my blog, much like I would revise a book. Out of that grew me knowing I love being part of a community of regular blog posters. Made myself get brave and joined in with something called Marvelous Middle Grade Monday that was developed my Shannon Messenger. From there I got to know many other bloggers and writers of middle grade and the blogging narrowed to just doing it primarily on Mondays...and being okay with that! I also learned pretty quick to just blog as myself. I often found myself thinking oh Deb, your reviews are kind of juvenile, they are not as professional as some are, they do not provide the detail and you are only talking about the books you really really liked. Took me some time to just say...THAT IS OKAY...that is how I want to blog. It's very much how I would be in person if you met me at a bookstore and asked me to recommend some books to you. Plus, with writing and work, blogging just on a Monday is what works best. Right now that is.
I have taken a couple of leaps, reached out to offer guest blog posts on Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays, organized my own Marvelous Middle Grade Reads and most recently doing a Marvelous Middle Grade May Reading Challenge. Next year I will be doing it in March. Talked to Jill at Owl and she won't be doing it so will be stepping into her shoes with the help of fellow blogger, writer, artist Akoss. Reaching out to this incredible community has served me well. I swear I am becoming less and less shy!
So.
The most important thing I have learned is to be myself, don't compare. Follow my passion and hopefully it will show on my blog. And if I try something new and it does not work (not talking in terms of comments, cause sometimes I get very few and that's totally okay!) for me and my time, it is all good. Figure I am a work in progress, always will be, therefore so is my blog!
The book-ish focus will be genre fiction. What draws you to a specific genre? Do vampires, zombies, or witches float your boat? Or, do you prefer the heat of romance? Recommend your favorite genres and/or books and help build reader TBR shelves a bit more!
When I was a teen I thought I would not like fantasy. There was no real reason for it. I just thought it was something I would not like so never really tried it. Same as an early adult. THEN I went to work in youth services for a public library and I was given a required reading list. On it was The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper. Playing Beattie Bow by Ruth Park. The love affair began. I was also shaking my head as I read more and more fantasy. It was something I would have LOVED. These days I read it all. Vampires, zombies (Johnathan Mayberry's series anyone? Rot and Ruin oh yeah baby). Witches, urban fantasy. I am drawn by the worlds, the humour, the absolute realness it all represents when it comes to the human condition, the incredible writing chops of the authors when it comes to character development, themes, settings...world building.
Some authors I recommend:
Holly Black (YA and MG-urban fantasy)
Joni Sensel (MG-fantasy, dystopian, crazy good...just finished reading The Farwalker's Quest)
Heather Brewer
Patricia Briggs (adult urban fantasy)
Cinda Chima (mg and ya)
Anne of Green Gables (oopsies, Anne, you don't belong in this list...but how cool would it be? Can you imagine how much she would love to live in an Urban Fantasy world?!!?)
Ta for now!
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