Monday, July 25, 2022

The Year Without a Summer by Arlene Mark

The Year Without a Summer by Arlene Mark
Format:  E-ARC
Publisher:  Sparkpress
Number of pages:  296
Publishing:  August 16th, 2022
Source:  Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review  

Opening Line:  "Jaime shifted his weight on his snowboard at the top of the mountain and set his sights down the slope."

There are a few things that Jamie loves, snowboarding and his older brother Lucas, who is stationed in Afghanistan.  Jamie is driven in his desire to become a professional snowboarder, unfortunately, he failed his latest science exam and risks being put on probation from the team.  Clara Montalvo, recently relocated from Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria devastated her town and destroyed their home, her father has chosen to stay behind to help with repairs but has been hard to reach because the powerlines have been down.  Clara is a responsible, hardworking student, who dreams of getting a scholarship to go to an Academy focused on architecture.  She tries very hard to fit in with the other kids at school but has faced her share of hardships.  

Currently they're learning about natural disasters in school, what contributes to them, and what consequences they pose to the environment and humans, they're to choose one disaster to discuss with the class.  Jamie begins to explore volcanic eruptions and learns of the Volcano of Tambora which occurred in 1815 in Indonesia.  It was known as the year without a summer because of the ash that was released into the atmosphere causing global climate anomalies, like below freezing temperatures in North America and snow during the summer.  Jaime is excited to share his research with his classmates and highlights all the positives that came from the volcanic eruption, which sets of a heated debate with Clara as she feels he's not seeing the seriousness of the disaster and its impact on the people of Indonesia.  Seeing the value of the two opposing views, their teacher assigns them both to debate the topic in class.  As Jaime and Clara collaborate for their debate, news arrives of a new Hurricane in Puerto Rico and that Jamie's older brother was wounded and is returning home for rehabilitation.  As they fear for their family, the two begin to find some commonalties among their differences. 

The first thing that intrigued me about The Year Without a Summer was the cover and title, curious about how the snow fit with the summer vibes.  The premise of the story was also very interesting combining three seemingly unrelated things, a historic volcano, a hurricane in Puerto Rico and a returning solider from Afghanistan.  I must say the story as a whole blew me away.    I loved all the historical aspects of the book and how relatable these teens were.  I learned so much about the Volcano of Tambora and well natural disasters in general.  The story addressed climate change and natural disasters but also gave options for how teens could advocate for change.  The emphasis on the commonalities that the two teenagers shared, their kindness, focus on the future, and family hardships made them both easily relatable.  I think I felt for Jamie the most and appreciated that the story didn't underscore the behavioral and emotional changes that occurred with his brother. While I find Jaime's wanting to get Lucas back to normal a realistic desire, it's something as a therapist that I've found difficult for loved ones to understand, that there is a new normal after an injury such as this.  As a therapist, I like to think of it as the brain is making new pathways or connections.  Overall, this was a highly engaging story and can see this appealing to kids interested in climate change.     

**A huge thank you to Sparkpress for the E-ARC**     

Monday, July 18, 2022

Big Nate: Destined for Awesomeness by Lincoln Peirce

Big Nate: Destined for Awesomeness by Lincoln Peirce 
Format:  E-ARC
Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing
Number of pages:  224
Publishing:  August 30th, 2022
Source:  Publisher in exchange for an honest review 

Big Nate first debuted as a comic strip on January 6th, 1991, and in 2010 the graphic novel titled Big Nate: In a Class by Himself was published.  Lincoln Pierce went on to publish eight books in the series and his stories have now been adapted into an animated series on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon.  

Nate Destined for Awesomeness is a tie-in to the animated series and includes stories from three different episodes with the corresponding comic strip that each episode is based off at the end of the chapter.  The first story is called "The Legend of the Gunting."  Trouble always seems to find Nate, and this time is no different when he risks being "gunted" if he gets one more detention.  But laying low proves to be difficult when a new student arrives at school.  This story reminded me a lot of the Terrible Two series by Mac Barnett.   In "Go Nate, It's Your Birthday," Nate's father lends him his credit card to buy himself a birthday present and Nate goes on a huge spending spree.  Fearful of what his father might do when he finds out he maxed out his card, Nate and his friends develop a scheme to find some cash fast.  In "CATastrophe," Nate is paired with his school crush, Jenny on a class project only to find out she has a dreaded cat.  Can Nate overcome his fear to spend time with his true love? 

I can see Big Nate: Destined for Awesomeness, appealing to middle graders who enjoy the Paramount + animated television series or for fans who get the humor of the original graphic novels and Nates tendency to land himself in trouble.  There are a few obvious differences that the reader should be aware of between this book and the Big Nate graphic novel series.  First, Big Nate: Destined for Awesomeness features the full color CG artwork from the animated television series with the original black and white comic book illustrations that each episode is based off appearing at the end of the chapter.  So, if you're looking for the original format where the artwork and illustrations complement the written text of the graphic novels, it's still interspersed into Big Nate: Destined for Awesomeness, but the panels now mainly follow the full color television CG artwork.  I think the CG artwork and text via speech bubbles format will take avid fans of the Big Nate graphic novels some time to get used.  At the same time, I think this story will find some new reluctant reader fans who are looking for a humorous story.   Here's a preview of the television series to give you a feel for the artwork style.  



Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The Pear Affair by Judith Eagle, illustrations by Jo Rioux

The Pear Affair by Judith Eagle, and illustrations by Jo Rioux
Format:  Paperback ARC
Publisher:  Walker Books US
Number of pages:  266
Published:  April 26th, 2022
Source:  Candlewick Press in exchange for an honest review 

Opening Line:  "You would think, thought Nell as she aimed a kick at one of the marble cats that sat on either side of the front door, if you named your daughter after your favorite handbag, you would cherish her as much, if not more, than you cherished the bag."

12-year-old Penelope "Nell" Magnificent's parents own Magnificent Foods and ever since she was a little girl, she's had an au pair, Perrine aka Pear who's cared for her.   That is until Nell turned seven and she was packed up and shipped off to a boarding school, and Pear returned to France, leaving Nell with only the fond memories of the happy times she'd spent with her beloved Pear, and the letters Pear sent her religiously for five solid years.  But six months have gone by and not a single letter has arrived making Nell fearful that something terrible has happened, as Pear promised she would return one day to rescue her.   Then upon arriving home for a vacation from boarding school, Nell finds her parents getting ready to leave for a Paris business trip, and they reluctantly agree to allow her to come, it is too late after all to get a Nanny to stay with her.  Once in Paris, Nell knows she can find Pear, she's studied everything about the city, explored all the maps and knows just where to look for her, but Pear's not at her apartment, or at her work and seems to have disappeared without a trace.  Dejected, Nell then has a chance encounter with a bus boy, Xavier, from the hotel they're staying at, who offers to help her find Pear.  Soon Nell is traveling the tunnels beneath Paris, visiting couturier shops, and uncovers a plot that connects the major of Paris, Pear, and her parents with a mysterious spore that is contaminating the bread of all the bakeries of Paris.

The Pear Affair takes place during the 1960's in Paris.  Being in the mood for a mystery and of course having Paris on my wish list of places to visit, this was a perfect escape read.  I enjoyed learning more about the Paris Catacombs, visiting the various settings with Nell and her new friends, and the glorious mention of pastries and hot chocolate will make your mouth water.  Many reviewers on Goodreads have compared this to Katherine Rundell's Rooftoppers, Matilda, Madeline, Harriet the Spy and even Alice in Wonderland, which is just a perfect description.  I can see aspects of each of these books in The Pear Affair.  You really feel for Nell and her lack of familial affection, how she lost the one person who loved her.  And Nell's parents are loathsome people, they'll really remind you of Matilda's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, obsessed by money and fashion.  I mean who could name their daughter after a purse?  Nell is a very likeable character, determined in her quest to reunite with her dear friend.  The authors passion for the city certainly shines through and although this can be read as a standalone, I'd certainly enjoy more adventures set in Paris with Nell and her friends.  The illustrations by Jo Rioux complemented the book very well and although my ARC didn't include the final artwork, I quite enjoyed the black and white sketched illustrations.  If you're looking for a little Paris adventure, I hope you'll check out The Pear Affair.   **A huge thank you to Candlewick Press for the ARC paperback**    

Monday, July 11, 2022

NOTHING IS LITTLE by Carmella Van Vleet Blog tour with Excerpt + Giveaway

My second tour spot I'm hosting today is NOTHING IS LITTLE by Carmella Van Vleet hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

                                                                         About The Book:

Title: NOTHING IS LITTLE

Author: Carmella Van Vleet

Pub. Date: July 19, 2022

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 224

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&NiBooks, KoboTBD, Bookshop.org

The case of a missing father is hard to crack . . . even for Felix, a tiny kid with a huge heart and an eye for detail.

Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school.
 
At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, “Short-lock Holmes,” is perfect for someone who’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal.
 
And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, “To a great mind, nothing is little.” 

The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn’t want to be found? And what if Felix’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is?
 
Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award–winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact.
 
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Reviews:

"A captivating, humorous, and heartfelt story of friendship, family, and crime-solving."—Kirkus Reviews

"A fresh and funny read that sells itself, and it demonstrates that there is more than one way to grow."—Booklist

"The story keeps a steady pace as it ­alternates between school and home, ­giving a firsthand account of what it's like to be young and faced with decisions that are difficult to navigate. ­Engaging and heartfelt, Van Vleet's title delivers big on the feels. Anyone who's ever been made to feel small will benefit from ­hearing ­Felix's story."—School Library Journal

"Nothing Is Little offers powerful proof that little things can matter in a great big way. What a beautiful book! The most huge-hearted and heartwarming story you'll read this year."—Claudia Mills, author of The Lost Language

"Smart, funny, and memorable. You can’t help but love Felix! He has big goals and a great big heart, and he’ll live large in your memory long after the final page is turned."—Margi Preus, Newbery Honor–winning author

 

Nothing Is Little

By Carmella Van Vleet

Excerpt for Rockstar Book Tours

1

The Alien


Things started changing when the alien took over.

For example, Mom used to stock up on desserts during back‐to‐school sales. But it’s two weeks into the year, and there’s still nothing sweet to pack in my lunch.

“Sorry, Felix,” Mom says, standing in front of the open pantry. “No Oreos.”

“I put them on the grocery list,” I say.

She gives me a tired smile. “I forgot to take the list.”

I feel bad complaining. Remembering stuff is hard for Mom lately. So are mornings.

We’re running later than usual. Mom’s in her pajamas and hasn’t showered yet. She overslept on account of she’s pregnant and spent the whole night getting up to pee.

For the record, my mom’s not the alien. My sister is. Boo’s not even born yet, and she’s already causing trouble.

It’s must be super weird to have some invisible being kick your bladder. The other night, Boo had the hiccups and I could actually see my mom’s stomach jump every few seconds.

And it’s not just Mom’s body. Boo has taken over our house, too. There’s a bunch of baby things and boxes of diapers piling up in the dining room. Even though my sister won’t be here for three more months, there’s a bottle sterilizer hogging space on the kitchen counter. Mom pushes it aside to check the fruit bowl.

“We’ve got bananas,” Mom tells me. “Or . . . Well, we have brown bananas.”

“It’s okay,” I tell her. “I’ll buy something at school again.”

There’s just enough time for me to finish up my Spanish homework, so I shove my lunch bag into my backpack and sit down.

Paul strolls into the kitchen. When he sees me he says, “A good sleep I trust you had, Padawan.” He’s been saying that ever since the two of us did a Star Wars movie marathon a few months back. I give him a thumbs‐up and go back to my worksheet.

Paul walks over to Mom and rubs her middle. “How are my favorite girls this morning?” Lately, his “favorite girls” are his favorite topic. Boo has invaded Paul’s vocabulary, too. He must have a Pregnancy Word of the Day calendar or something. He drops words like gestation period, amniotic fluid, and placenta (gross, gross, aaaannd gross) into conversations.

Mom tells Paul his favorite girls are fine, and he gives her stomach one last pat before grabbing himself coffee.

“Got a busy day?” Paul asks Mom.

She tells him she’s got a focus group coming in later at her downtown office. Mom works for a market research company that gets people’s opinions about different kinds of products.

Excerpt from Nothing Is Little / Text copyright © 2022 by Carmella Van Vleet. Reproduced by permission from Holiday House Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

 About Carmella Van Vleet:

Carmella Van Vleet is a former kindergarten teacher and the author of numerous books for children, including To the Stars!, which was co-authored by astronaut Kathy Sullivan and named to the Amelia Bloomer list. Her debut children's novel, Eliza Bing Is (NOT) a Big, Fat Quitter, received the Christopher Award and was named to four state award master lists. Just like Eliza, Carmella loves tae kwon do—she has earned her black belt! She lives in Ohio and can be found online at carmellavanvleet.com

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads



Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of NOTHING IS LITTLE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/11/2022

Log Cabin Library

Excerpt

7/11/2022

Yabookscentral

Excerpt

7/12/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt/IG Post

7/12/2022

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt/IG Post

7/13/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

7/13/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt

7/14/2022

Lifestyle of Me

Review

7/14/2022

@jaimerockstarbooktours

IG Post

7/15/2022

Rajiv's Reviews

Review/IG Post

7/15/2022

Sadie's Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

7/18/2022

hodophile_z

IG Review

7/18/2022

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review

7/19/2022

GryffindorBookishNerd

IG Review

7/19/2022

Little Red Reads

Review

7/20/2022

Write. Read. Live.

Review/IG Post

7/20/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

7/21/2022

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

7/21/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

7/22/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review

7/22/2022

Nerdophiles

Review


THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS by Anna Rose Johnson Blog Tour with Excerpt + Giveaway

I'm super excited to be hosting two tour spots today. Up first is THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS by Anna Rose Johnson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. I hope you'll check them both out and make sure to enter the giveaways!

 

                                                                              About The Book:

Title: THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS

Author: Anna Rose Johnson

Pub. Date: July 12, 2022

Publisher: Holiday House

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 224

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, Audiobook, B&NiBooks, KoboTBD, Bookshop.org

When bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you’re Ojibwe.

"INSPIRING."—Kirkus Reviews
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection!
A #1 New Release in Native American Children's Fiction!
A #1 New Release in Historical Fiction for Children!
A #1 New Release in Stepfamily Fiction for Children!

Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. 

Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia’s mother forces her to pretend she’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan.

Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion. 

But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is?

Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson’s family history.

"INTIMATE."—Publishers Weekly
"UNPUTDOWNABLE."—Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies

   

  The Star that Always Stays

By Anna Rose Johnson

Excerpt for Rockstar Book Tours


 BEAVER ISLAND, NOVEMBER 1910

Mkadewzi | BLACK


“Pa promised he wouldn’t sail in shipwreck season anymore.”

The wind swallowed up Norvia Nelson’s words, and she wasn’t even sure if her older brothers had heard her. Only one question had circled the house for days: When would Pa come home?

Norvia ran from the little porch toward the shoreline of Lake Michigan, hoping to see any evidence of the stalwart schooner Rouse Simmons manifesting on the dusky horizon. The sky rumbled over- head, glowering with thunder. And the island’s harbor—a collection of wooden docks and flickering lights—was battered by waves below.

“Nothing yet,” said Norvia, returning to the porch where her brothers were waiting.

“He shouldn’t have gone on this trip.” Elton leaned against the doorway, gazing out at the shifting, gloomy waters.

“I say, the more he wants to go away, the better,” said Herman—but he glanced nervously at the tossing waves, too.

Elton folded his arms. “I just don’t understand why he’d break a promise like that. He told Ma he wouldn’t go out on a late run ever again.”

“He promised a lot of things,” Herman shot back.

“And he’s kept most of his promises,” said Norvia, turning away from them. All she wanted was for her father to come home— then everything could be normal. He would stride in—smiling, she hoped—and Ma would be so relieved to have him safely back that she wouldn’t be angry anymore. Perhaps Pa would even bring them gifts from the mainland—a necklace for her, something special for Ma— and they’d all laugh and sit around the hearth watching the flames of the fire unravel and snap and sparkle. . . .

“Let’s go in,” said Herman.

He was right. The wind was cold and the waterline empty. Norvia lingered just a few minutes more, then followed the boys inside.

Casper—the youngest of her three brothers—stood by the front window, pressing his face against the rain-spattered glass. “Suppose they’ve been wrecked off one of the Fox Islands. Suppose they have to send a search crew after ’em?”

“Don’t say that!” said Norvia.

“Aww, Norv,” said Casper. “It’d be exciting.”

She looked through the pane too, straining her eyes, willing Pa to sail home to them.

“The waters around Beaver Island are kind to their sons,” said Grand-père, who had come to look out the window with them. “He’ll come home all right.”


Excerpt from The Star that Always Stays / Text copyright © 2022 by Anna Rose Johnson. Reproduced by permission from Holiday House Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.


 

About Anna Rose Johnson:

Anna Rose Johnson is a journalist, blogger, and seasoned correspondent for Inside Gymnastics. Anna is passionate about historical fiction, the Native experience, and writing for children. She is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe; The Star That Always Stays is directly based on her great-grandmother. Find her at annarosejohnson.com. 

Website | Twitter | Facebook Group | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 




Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE STAR THAT ALWAYS STAYS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/4/2022

Yabookscentral

Excerpt

7/4/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt

7/5/2022

hodophile_z

IG Review

7/5/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt/IG Post

7/6/2022

The Paperback Princess

Review/IG Post

7/6/2022

Rajiv's Reviews

Review/IG Post

7/7/2022

Kait Plus Books

Excerpt/IG Post

7/7/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

7/8/2022

The Page Ladies

Review/IG Post

7/8/2022

GryffindorBookishNerd

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

7/11/2022

Log Cabin Library

Excerpt

7/11/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

7/12/2022

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

7/12/2022

@jaimerockstarbooktours

IG Post

7/13/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review/IG Post

7/13/2022

Nerdophiles

Review/IG Post

7/14/2022

celiamcmahonreads on insta

Review/IG Post

7/14/2022

Little Red Reads

Review

7/15/2022

100 Pages A Day

Review

7/15/2022

Books and Zebras

IG Review