Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord

Lucy 's dad is a famous photographer who goes off on photo shoots pretty frequently. This time he is is in Arizona, leaving Lucy and her mom to set up their newest location at a lake house in New Hampshire. While Lucy's dad is gone, he's asked her to keep an eye out for photo scavenger hunt entrees for a contest that he is judging once he gets back. Lucy loves photography and “looking for the story” in the pictures she takes, just like her dad taught her. So, entering the contest may just be the way she can connect with him and show her dad just how good a photographer she really is. Nate is the boy who lives next door who quickly makes Lucy feel at home by the lake. Lucy invites him to help her complete her photography scavenger hunt and the two begin exploring the lake for the perfect shots. As the two hang out, Lucy starts to make plans to win the contest for Nate's grandmother. Lucy hopes that the money will be enough to take his grandmother on a pontoon ride around the lake so she can view her Loon's. This might just be the last summer that she can safely come down to the lake.

Lucy was very passionate about photography and I thought the photo scavenger hunt was a very creative idea. Each of the pictures were used to describe a word (sticky, skip, holding on, wonder etc.) with the added challenge to not just take a picture with that word, but to really look beyond just the word or phrase. Lucy thinks that she has the advantage, because she always looks for the “story in the shot.” I could see this being adapted in a classroom very easily. There was also a very good moral about the importance of living life and not trying to capture everything in pictures. Another aspect that I enjoyed about Half a Chance was the balance of Lucy and Nate's storyline. Lucy was concerned about her father being away and moving to a new town once again. While, Nate was trying to understand his grandmother's memory loss and make sure that she had the best summer possible. The two plot lines intertwined into a shared one that featured around Loon's that were living on a near by island and trying to capture a photo memory for Nick's grandmother. I thought the relationship that formed between Lucy and Nate was very sweet and enjoyed the honest portrayal of Dementia.  

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Rose Howard has three things that she likes, words, rules and numbers. Rose especially likes homophones, because her first name has one Rose (Rows). Rose is eleven and lives with her father in Hatford, New York. She attends elementary school, but has been held back because “no one is sure what to do with me in school.” Rose is a high-functioning autistic child with some repetitive and compulsive behaviors. She loves to add to her list of homophones, obsesses over prime numbers, the following of rules, as well as following a daily routine. Rose's main supports are her fifth-grade teacher, her classroom aide, her Uncle Weldon and most importantly is her dog Rain (Reign, Rein). Rain is the dog Rose's father found behind the Irish Pub that he frequents. He explains to Rose that the dog is a stray and now it's his gift to her. When a terrible storm hits their community, Rose is devastated to find that her dog is missing and very perplexed to find out that her dad let Rain outside during the storm without his collar. Rose develops a plan to try and find her dog, but when Rain shows up at a shelter with a microchip indicating her name is Olivia, Rose knows that the rules dictate that Rain isn't really hers. Rose is able to take the family of the dog's perspective and knows that she will have to let Rain go.

Having the story told by Rose really gives an accurate perspective of her thoughts and feelings. Who better to explain Asperger's syndrome, her school life and home life than Rose herself? Rose presents herself in such an honest, heartfelt way. She has so many positive qualities that get highlighted in her story. She defiantly shows a love for her dog and Uncle. Rose explains everything, like why she can't ride the bus anymore, why she has an aide sitting with her during class and at lunch, and why she counts prime numbers and has to sit in the hall until she calms down. Rose explains her need for routine, and how and why people need to follow the rules. So when Rain ends up in her class one day, and Rose begins to talk about Rain using some of the conversation starters that her aide has been teaching her, you root for her to be able to form connections with the other children. The way the story is written gives a fuller understanding of who Rose is strengths and weaknesses. She pulls at your heart strings, especially when she introduces her father, and how he treated her with a lack of patience and understanding.  Which makes his abusiveness that more troubling. Rose's Uncle was the one glimmer of hope in her life and I was so happy for the changes that occurred in Rose's home and school environment. Overall, a wonderful heartfelt story of a lovely girl and her beloved dog.

Timmy Failure: Now Look What You've Done (Timmy Failure #2) by Stephan Pastis

Maury's Museum of World Records has is all wrong, Carl Kobalinski can't be the smartest person in the world. Self proclaimed world class detective Timmy has that title after all. To save the Museum's “reputation,” Timmy climbs on the statue of Carl to yank down the sign, and in so doing falls and breaks his leg. Timmy isn't held back at first, but when his business partner and main mode of transportation picks this time to quit, Timmy is left to depending on his Aunt Colander's help. When a school district wide contest is announced for the detective who can find who took the Superintendent's missing globe, Timmy is confident that he will win the 500 dollar prize. With the money, he can now open a new office in Peru. One problem though, Timmy misses the school deadline and now he'll have to figure out a new way to win.

I liked the character of Timmy, his over confidence in his detective skills were entertaining. Especially when he starts getting notes with hearts all over the envelope which he believes are from an “assassin.”  I also enjoyed Timmy's 1500 pound sidekick business partner, Total the polar bear. The ambiguity as to whether Total is real or imaginative makes the story fun to read.  I'm leaning toward imaginative, Timmy's mom never does directly address Total after all. The illustrations in these Timmy Failure books are done very well and I think they will resonate with 8 to 12 year old's who enjoy diary and comic book style stories.

Favorite Line: “I know that if I am to move forward like the professional that I am, I must first see the past with mature eyes. And that means acknowledging that others have caused all my problems and blaming them for it.”

MG Realistic Fiction: The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer

From an early age, twelve-year-old Grace decided that her grandma was 
mean.  What other explanation can there be for why she kicked her mother out when she was pregnant with her? Grace and her mother have been moving around all of her life.  Stick pins on a map show all the locations that they've been to so far.  But, Grace thought that mom had finally found a home with Mrs. Greene and Lacey, at least it was starting to feel that way to her. However, mom got to pacing and said it was time to move again.  Grace doesn't stand for it and tells mom that she isn't going, leading mom to go for a walk and have a terrible accident by the river bank.  Grace is then told that she will be living with her grandmother, when all she wants to do is stay with Mrs. Greene and Lacey. Initially, Grace tries everything possible to make grandma send her back to Mrs. Greene, but grandma pays her no mind.  As Grace begins to explore the town and go to school, she see's signs that she thinks are clues left by her mother leading her home.  What she finds is possibility. 

The Secret Hum of a Daisy is a very beautiful and sad story.  The loss of a parent is a very emotional time and Grace has alot of changes to deal with very quickly. Grace is lost, trying to make sense of everything that has happened. She separates everything into the "before" and "after" of her mother's death, and she is struggling to hold onto those feelings and thoughts from before. Holczer approaches the subject with a great degree of sensitivity and the emotions and thoughts that Grace has seem appropriate given what little information that her mother gave her about her own past.  Holczer also does a remarkable job of rooting you in Grace's setting, giving you the feel of a small town where all are grieving right along with her.    I enjoyed the symbolism behind Grace's treasure hunt and how it was a means of helping her cope with her mothers death and find her home.  Even little things like how the spoons represented "utensil's of comfort."   An honest portrayal of the death of a parent and the emotions that follow presented with lots of heart and feeling.      

Blog Launch Tour: Andy Smithson: Disgrace of the Unicorn's Honor

Author L.R.W. Lee

Since the age of eight, L.R.W. Lee wanted to write a children's book, but felt she did not have anything significant to share; she sought to change lives while entertaining.  A degree in Accounting did not provide riveting fodder for a best seller, so she waited.  Over a decade, she founded and grew a company, during which, she worked closely with a mentor from whom she learned uncommon thinking that changed her life.  After selling her business in early 2012, she had time to write and, more importantly, something significant to share.  L.R. W. Lee lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband, daughter and son.  

When asked by the author if I wanted to participate in the tour for her newest book Andy Smithson Disgrace of the Unicorn's Honor, I was thrilled.  After reading the first two books, I really wanted to return to the fantasy setting and wonderful characters that I've enjoyed reading about. 

For those not familiar with the series, I'll give a short recap.  Andy Smithson's Blast of the Dragons Fury introduced Imogenia, a ghost who is in the Afterlife.  Imogenia  had aspirations of being Queen, until her brother killed her and became King.  As a means of revenge, Imogenia placed a curse on her brother and the people of Oomaldee.  The curse lasted for 500 years, until Imogenia's parents decided that the curse should end.  The King was allowed to find a descendant (Andy) to end the curse, but he could not reveal himself or directly help in anyway.  Andy embarked on a quest to collect the first ingredient needed to end the curse.   Venom of the Serpent's Cunning takes place nine months later. Imogenia has joined forces with Abbadon, someone who is evil and wants to take over the country. Using dark magic,  Abaddon was able to steal the Stone of Athanasia, the very stone that has allowed the King and his wizard to stay immortal.  Andy is once again on a quest to find the next ingredient to end the curse, but now he must also recover the stone. Be sure to check out my reviews of  Book One Andy Smithson Blast of the Dragon's Fury.   and Book Two Andy Smithson Venom of the Serpent's Cunning. 

Paperback, 252 pages

Published :  October 13th 2014 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Format:  In exchange for an honest review, an ebook ARC was received from the author for review.  

"Andy discovers more than he bargained for when his parents reveal his mom's past. With a new appreciation for his history, he returns to the land of Oomaldee to collect the next ingredient to break the Curse plaguing the land--the horn of a unicorn. Not unexpectedly, as he and his company embark upon their quest, they face stiff opposition from the evil King Abaddon, a foreign enemy who seeks to conquer that world. The battle with sword, while intense, pales in comparison to his conflicted heart, when a voice tempts Andy to surrender the unicorn horn in exchange for a promise to preserve his mom when he breaks the curse. Desperate to save her, he falls for the lie and puts in jeopardy his ability to end the curse." (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Availability 

The eBook  Amazon 

The paperback is also available at Amazon 

The third book in the Andy Smithson series contains plenty of action, and a difficult challenge for Andy.  A tough predicament making the choice to break a curse or preserving the mom he loves. I found myself missing Andy's inneru, the voice that speaks to him and usually gives him sound advice.   Disgrace of the Unicorn's Honor expands the world and Lee introduces some new mythical creatures that help Andy and his friends on their journey.  Other creatures Andy meets in the heat of battle, like trolls and giants.  But, Andy is always learning from each interaction and adventure he has.  In each book, Lee weaves all these wonderful principles into her story.  Principles like responsibility, diligence and dignity, in such a way that enriches the story and doesn't come off as preachy or educational.   I've really enjoyed following Andy as he learns more about his families past and journey's to locate the ingredients he needs to help stop the curse.   The plot keeps getting better and better and I'm always left wondering how he will get out of the danger he gets into next.  I have loved following this series from the beginning.  It has just the right blend of adventure, magical creatures, strong friendships, mystery and humor.  As always, Lee leaves me wanting to read the next book in the series (Andy Smithson: Resurrection of the Phoenix's Grace). Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until she finishes writing it.  

Thank you L.R.W. Lee at http://www.lrwlee.com/ for introducing me to this wonderful series and having me on the tour!  Check out all the other tour stops: 

10/13

Clean Indie Reads - Book Launch Spotlight

Emblazoners - Book Launch Highlight

Dragon Writers Collective - Book Launch Spotlight

Home School Book Review - Book Review by Wayne Walker

10/14

SilverTill's Shelfari - Book Review by Bill Tillman

Beach Bound Books - Book Spotlight by Stacie Thies

Carpinello's Writing Pages - Book Spotlight by Cheryl Carpinello

Ask David - Book Spotlight

10/15

This Kid Reviews Books Blog - Book Review by Erik Weibel (Erik is 13)

Independent Author Network - Book Spotlight

10/16

Kickin Books - Book Review by Bert Edens

Cassandra Lost in Books - Book Review by Cassandra Loskot

10/17

I am a Reader - Book Spotlight by Inspired Kathy

Mcswainandbeck - Book Spotlight

10/20

Rena Writes - Book Review by Rena Marthaler (Rena is 10)

Fantasy Fun with Kirstin - Book Spotlight by Kirstin Pulioff

Book Review by Hannah Mills

10/21

Brooke Blogs - Book Review by Brooke Bumgardner

The Pitkin Family - Book Review by Jennifer Pitkin

10/22

Log Cabin Library - Book Review by Brenda

10/23

KY Bunnies - Book Spotlight by Suzie

Pragmatic Mom - Book Spotlight by Mia Wenjen

10/24

Bookworm Lisa - Book Spotlight

11/5

Radio Interview at The Good Word - Interview by Nick Galieti

MG Historical Fiction: The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore

Hazel Kaplansky is smart, inquisitive, relentless and would consider herself unique, certainly not odd, weird or boring.  Yet, having parents who run the graveyard situated behind your house doesn't really help with your image at school.  Hazel has always been a lover of a good mystery, Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden being her sleuthing role models. Being observant is very important to her.  Hazel carries a journal that she calls her "mysteries notebook" around where she catalogs all of her questions. Lately, Hazel has been taking to following the grave digger, Mr. Paul Jones.  When she observes him locking a box in the shed, her initial hunch is that he must be a Russian spy.  Hazel is growing up during the McCarthy time period, where Russian spies were thought to be lurking in her town, so Hazel begins to become very suspicious of Mr. Jones's actions.  When a new boy named Samuel shows up in school, Hazel is so impressed with his intelligence that she believes he is just the person who can help her prove that Mr. Jones is a spy.    

I recall reading about the Cold War era and McCarthy from school.  I can't say that I've seen a Middle Grade book written about it until now.  It was interesting to follow the details from Hazel's perspective taking in what she heard people saying around her, and from the newspaper articles she was reading.  She was very adamant in her convictions, yet also jumped to a lot of conclusions.  Her stockpiling of canned goods in the mausoleum as a make shift bomb shelter was quite amusing.   Most of all, I really enjoyed the relationship that she forms with Samuel.  He was the logical, reasonable one who had a process to his thinking. He made Hazel question the assumptions that she made and really search to gather more facts.  They were an endearing team.  I also enjoyed how Hazel was able to help Samuel resolve some of the issues surrounding his father, it was touching to see how much his friendship really meant to her.   

MG Review Historical Fiction: The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry

Every Sunday following church, the seven young ladies from Saint Etheldreda's School join their headmistress for a meal that they have prepared. On the day in question, the girls are serving veal to headmistress Constance Plackett and her younger brother, Mr. Aldous Godding.   While they will be enjoying bread with butter and baked beans. Suddenly, Mrs. Plackett drops dead, followed by her brother Aldous.  The young ladies suspect foul play and believe the two have been murdered. Concerned the headmistresses death will mean they will be sent home, they choose to band together and form the Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place.  Upon Smooth Kitty's encouragement, they plan to dispose of the bodies in the vegetable bed.  As the young ladies put their plan in motion, neighbors begin to arrive for a surprise party orchestrated by the late Mrs. Plackett's brother.  The young ladies must ensure no one finds out about the headmistress and her brothers death, while uncovering who the murderer is.  

I very much enjoyed the Victorian setting of The Sisters of Prickwillow Place and the girls that resided within the house.   The use of an adjective to describe the personality of each of the young ladies (pocked, stout, dour, dear, disgraceful, dull, and smooth), was interesting and unique.  I'm not certain whether this helped me really get to know each of the girls better or not, but the cover image certainly did.  All the girls are likable and their friendship and support of each other is what drew me into the story.  As well as unraveling which of the list of suspects had the true motive. Interestingly, Smooth Kitty was one of the girls that stood out to me the most. Probably because she selects herself to make all the plans to dispose of the bodies.  But, she isn't the only one who takes part in their scheme.  Louise with her science experiments is able to gather some of the valuable clues.  And where would they be without Alice?  Yet it really is each of their individual personality traits when combined that helps them to find the murderer. A boarding school mystery filled with humor and a delightful cast of characters.