Student Saturday: Scary Tales Home Sweet Horror by James Preller

Student Reviewer:  Amari B.
Genre: Middle Grade, Horror

A book called "Scary Tales" will send goosebumps up your spine! The amazing author of this book is named James Preller. He is one of my favorite authors! He eve wrote a second Scary Tales called I Scream You Scream. In this amazing book of scary tales, there is a story about how this family of three moved into this thousand year old house. They have two children named Liam Finn, and Kelly Finn. They feel uncomfortable about this spooky house. Liam is the one who is so freaked out about this house. When something strange happens....
It was fascinating to learn about the kids experience with scary things happening. I would recommend this scary book to the carers who would want to read this book in the bathroom with only candle light letting you be able to read.  I loved this book!

A Plethora of Picture Book Reviews

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

These are two separate books.  The verbage is the same in each one.  One is for boys and one is for girls.
In these two books we find Nanook and Naloo venturing back to Ziron where they are met by their Ziron Friends.  They have been waiting for them.  They have a surprise to share. A new Ziron is about to be born.  It seems that Zirons come from materal plats. They play with the new Ziron teaching it to speak.  Suddenly they can no longer find Pafoo the new Ziron.  Come along and see if you can figure out where the new Ziron is.

Diary of an Awkward Kid 1: Amanda Gets Bullied by Bolaji O.
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: Purchased

Every day Bug teases Amanda. He calls her shorty and other names. Amanda hates it. She tries to get even with him. But, what happens when she sees Bug being bullied for a physical defect he has.? Will she stand up for him or let him get what's coming to him? This is a wonderful book to teach children about bullying and about true friendship.


Harry and the Hot Lava by Chris Robertson

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source Purchased

Harry takes us on an adventure through his house as it fills with hot lava. We travel with him until he jumps into his mom's armas and we learn his imagination is a large as his fathers.  This is a really cute book.  I loved the kid's imagination. We need more kids to use their imagination

Over in the Hollow by Rebecca Dickinson
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: Purchased

This is a very unique counting book. We have spiders and mummies, owls, vampires, and bats, witches and other monsters. This would have been great for Halloween.  It is a very cute book.  It is a fun way to teach children to count.




Drem Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi 

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: Purchased

Poppy is a pig with big dreams. She wants to be a star. She tries ballet, singing and modeling. Her family and friends encourage her. They believe in her. She fails miserably i most of teh things she tries. One day she wathes skaters skating. Will she fail at this too? Kristi has created a positive book that teaches children to go after their dreas. This is a great message for all kids.

The Reluctant Witch by Sally O. Lee
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review

This is a  great book to read at Halloween.  A town gets all excited about Halloween.  They love everything about it, jack-o-lanterns, costumes, the goodies.  But, their favorite part is Francis the Witch. Halloween is not Halloween until she flies across the sky and declares it is Halloween.  There is a problem.  Francis wants to be a princess and wear a crown.  Will Halloween come to town this year?  I have loved all of Sally O. Lee's books.  They are bright and colorful and always have a simple message.


Billy and Monster's Golden Christmas by David Chuka

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review.

This is another wonderful book by another of my favorite children's book authors.  In this book we join Billy as he prepares to Celebrate Christmas.  This year everyone is coming to his house. They open presents, eat wonderful food then they play games.  It reminded me of my childhood.  Everyone came to our farm.  After lunch was over we would sit around the table and play games. Billy's Uncle Bob, who is from England always brings him a special gift.  This year Billy watches his cousin open a present with a wonderful monster truck while he is given a golden pen.  He is definitely not thankful for it.  What will happen when he joins a monster family for their humble Christmas?  A wonderful book to remind us why we celebrate.

The Stereotypical Freaks - Howard Shapiro

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Four disparate high school seniors come together to compete in their school's battle of the bands. Sharing a love for playing rock and roll, the members name the band "The Stereotypical Freaks" because they feel stereotyped by their classmates - smart kid, geek, star athlete and quiet weirdo… when in fact they know they are much more than those labels that have been placed on them.

When one member reveals life altering news, winning the competition takes on more of a meaning to each member. Scared and angry, upset and yet still with a lot of resolve they set out to win one for the good guys… will they?

My Thoughts:
Howard Shapiro has made me a lover of graphic novels.  At least I can say I love his graphic novels.   I don't read a lot of graphic novels.  I would read his non-stop. My students keep them circulating.  In The Stereotypical Freaks we meet four teens who seem to be so different, but are really more alike than they know.  Music is what brings them all together and shows them how similar they are.  Tom is the nerdy one. He tutors his former best friend Mark. Dan is his newest best friend. Dan has issues with his dad. Dan and Tom have a band.  Dan wants them to enter the Battle of the Bands. the problem is that they need a drummer and a guitar player.  This is where Mark and Jacoby enter.  Jacoby is fairly new at the school. They end up forming the band The Stereotypical Freaks.  Jacoby is the motivator in this group.  When you read the story you learn that he is the person who you would expect to have legitimate reasons for being depressed.  The story is about true friendship and healing relationships.  The lessons are those that teens need to hear.  It is not preachy at all.  I would say it is very real.  That is why my students like his books. They can relate to them. One thing I found extremely cool was at the introduction of each chapter there was a list of songs to listen to while reading that particular chapter.  My students were shocked that I knew some of them.  Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I had just finished it in the class when a student said, "Can I check it out now?" There are now three others in line for it. They know a good book when they see it.

Through a Daughter's Eyes: The Samuel "Dock" Pollard Story by Sharran Pollard

Genre: Adult, Memoir

Source: I purchased a copy

I work with the author. I realize I really never knew her.  I've worked with her for six and a half years.  During those years, until her father passed away, I knew very little about her dad.  I knew he was a pastor and that she adored him.  I guess you could say she worshipped the ground he walked on.  I had no idea he was such an awesome businessman. It explains a lot about the author.  After reading the book you can definitely say she is her fathers daughter.  Sharran gives us an open and honest look at her father and what it was like growing up in his household.  I don't think she could sing his praises enough.  From her book he was a very fair person, even when it came to discipline.  I loved her story of missing curfew by two minutes and losing her car for a month. He didn't give in.  Her mother stood behind her husband.  Sharran remembers the lessons learned.  I have to say that knowing only one side of her, the teacher, I can now see her father's influence in her classroom management.

Her father showed how strong his faith was as he leaned on God through multiple medical conditions.  He showed grace to those who sought to oust him from the very church he had started.  He is the standard by which we want others to judge Christians.  We want to be that person who wears their Christian faith on their sleeve for all to see.  We want to be that person that will one day be able to stand before God and hear him say, "Well done my good and faithful servant."  I have no doubt that these were the first words Samuel "Dock" Pollard heard as he entered through those heavenly gates.

About the Author

Sharran Pollard always enjoyed reading and writing as a child. She became an educator in the manatee County School System. She went on to forward her education in Ed. Leadership from the University of Central florida in Orlando, Florida.

Through a Daughter's Eyes is her first memoir that tells the story of her father's hardships throughout his lifetime and how he overcame these struggles to become a prominent successful baptist pastor of Mt. Raymond full gospel baptist Church, one of the largest African American churches in Southwest Florida. this story tells how his vision became his reality. When Sharran is not in somebody's mall shopping, she's most likely mentoring children or spendng family time with her mother Versia, her "special" friend Des, and their spoiled dogs. Sa'Jia and Diego. Sharran currenly resides in Palmetto, FL

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Interview with Christopher Cloud Author of Adelita's Secret

Today, we're shining the book spotlight on a young adult fantasy novel, Adelita’s Secret thanks to Rebecca's Writing Services. Christopher Cloud is an award-winning novelist with his collection of young adult novels. 

About Adelita’s Secret 

Lost in a superficial world of materialism and social status—and ashamed of her Latino heritage—seventeen-year-old Adelita Noé is loved by two men, two men separated by a hundred years and vastly different stations in life. One man owns little more than the shirt on his back. The other, a poet at heart, is heir to a vast fortune. Their love for Adelita serves as the backdrop for the Latino girl’s quest to better understand herself and her Mexican roots.

Read Chapter 1 – 4 on Amazon

Title is available at Amazon kindle or paperback

Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble

Q: Have you ever had a character take over a story and move it in a different direction than you had originally intended? How did you handle it?

A: I’m glad you asked because my teenage protagonist in Adelita’s Secret took me in a totally different direction with her own ideas for the storyline. I don’t write fantasy (or didn’t before this novel) and had no intention of writing fantasy. But Adelita took control about 5,000 words into the story, and changed the genre from young adult to young adult/fantasy. I’m pleased the story unfolded as it did.

Q: Any tips for character creation?

There has been much written about the so-called "composite" character, borrowing bits and pieces from several characters to build one character. Personally, I find this premise irritating because you end up creating a character that readers will find unbelievable. That is not to say that your character’s personally/physical makeup/speech can’t be tweaked. Create a character that readers can wrap their minds around.  

Q: Lessons readers can learn from the books characters?

I write middle-grade and young adult novels, and my characters dispense small doses of historical facts, facts that become an integral part of the story. Indeed, each of my four middle-grade/young adult novels plays out against a backdrop of history.

Q: Is there a theme or message in your work that you would like readers to connect to?

There are no messages per se in my novels, but I do try and tactfully educate the reader about the role history plays in all of our lives. In A Boy Called Duct Tape I educate the reader about the exploits of Jesse James and his gang of outlaws; in Voices of the Locusts I show my readers the ugly psychological scars left by World War II; in Adelita’s Secret, the importance of the Mexican Revolution forms the backdrop for my story; in The Ghosts of Petroglyph Canyon, the significance of preserving ancient rock drawings subtly weaves its way through the novel.

Q: If you could be any famous person/author for one day, who would you be and why?

I gave this question much thought. I’ve decided I’d like to be John Steinbeck when he was halfway through his first draft of The Grapes of Wrath. I’d love to learn his writing routine and who he relies on to read his copy, not for typos, but for content. For my money, The Grapes of Wrath is the most important book by an American author of the 20^th century.

Q: One of the most terrifying or difficult things about being a writer?

One of the most problematic issues for me are critiques. When I first began writing, a reviewer panned one of my middle-grade novels. However, the novel received more than 200 five-star reader reviews on Amazon. These days I judge the quality of my stories by reader reviews. Such reviews are far more telling.

Q: What do you believe is your strongest trait?

I am not a quitter. I believe this trait has helped me survive the bump road of writing fiction. I continue to hold the belief that a good story will always find a home. 

About Christopher Cloud

Award winning author Christopher Cloud began writing fiction full time after a long career in journalism and public relations. He writes middle-grade and young adult novels..Cloud graduated from the University of Missouri in 1967 with a degree in journalism. He has worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist at newspapers in Texas, California, and Missouri. He was employed by a Fortune 100 company as a public relations executive, and later operated his own public relations agency. Cloud attended high school in Japan, and lives in Joplin, Missouri. His website Is: www.christophercloud.com

Visit Christopher Cloud’s website

Visit Cloud’s blog

Check back on December 10th for my review of this book.

Dead Girl Walking by Ruth Silver

Dead Girl Walking (Royal Reaper) by Ruth Silver

Published: November 25, 2014

Publisher: Booktrope

  Forget everything you know about grim reapers.

Princess Ophelia Dacre sneaks out of the castle to visit her boyfriend in secret. A perfect night cut short when she’s brutally murdered.

Ophelia is given the rare chance to become a grim reaper. She must become Leila Bele, cut ties with her old life, and follow the rules of the reapers. Her greatest adventure begins with death.   Now includes the prequel Ashes to Ashes as a bonus story in the Booktrope edition. Available in eBook & Paperback.

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

  “Listen, kid, I don’t care what you believe in. It’s not for me to say what’s true and untrue, real or unreal. My assignment was you. You get to be one of us, if you want it. Otherwise, you move on, life is over, kaput.” Ophelia backed away from the stranger. For the first time, she realized she didn’t feel cold and wasn’t shivering. Is this what being dead was like? “One of you?” “A grim reaper.” He held out his hand to properly introduce himself. “Edon Montgomery, head reaper and old soul.”

 

Meet the Characters

 

Ophelia Dacre

The princess and heir to the throne, Ophelia witnessed her mother’s murder as a young child. Barely seventeen, she is a hopeless romantic at heart. Ophelia has fallen in love with Larkin, a commoner. Although she knew it’s against her fathers wishes, she continues to see her boyfriend in secret. Ophelia is passionate, cunning, and would do anything for her young sister Mara.    

Leila Bele

Formerly Ophelia Dacre, Leila is the newest reaper and has trouble following the rules. She missed her life as a princess, and has trouble staying away from those she left behind.

Wynter Gael

A grim reaper and constant rule breaker. Wynter enjoys Leila’s company. His roommate and best friend, Jasper, keeps him in line.

Mara Dacre

Princess and younger sister to Ophelia, Mara is just fourteen years old. Full of love toward Ophelia, Mara will stop at nothing to know the truth about how her sister died, and who murdered her.

Larkin Alis

Not of royal blood, unbeknownst to him, Larkin was courting Princess Ophelia up until her murder. He is a suspect in her brutal slaying.

Edon Montgomery

Head reaper and considered an old soul, Edon’s job is to keep the other reapers in line. Tough but fair, Edon is always watching and fixing reaper mistakes. Although, he has a few secrets of his own.

Jasper Ehlers

A fellow reaper and best friend to Wynter, Jasper has been in love with Violetta for decades. He’s a romantic, constantly wooing Violetta through the decades, hoping to one day win over her heart.

Violetta Mercier

A grim reaper and roommate of Emblyn. Violetta is cheeky, dark, and quite often mysterious at first introduction. She loves to tease others and enjoys the thrill of being pursued by Jasper. She prides herself on being a reaper and lets it reflect in her appearance.

Emblyn Vernon

The good girl reaper. Emblyn follows the rules, most of the time. A friend to most reapers, Emblyn has a kind heart and upbeat attitude. She sticks up for those that need support, and is always there to offer a hand when necessary.

Astin Stafford

Of royal blood, Prince Astin and Princess Ophelia have an arranged marriage for the sake of their kingdoms. He’s kind, charming, but a bit of a push over. Ophelia has no romantic feelings toward Astin.

Juliana Stapleton

Once human over a thousand year ago, Juliana was forever marked a dark angel. With black wings and a duty of responsibility, she doesn’t take her job lightly.

About the Author

Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing two series: Royal Reaper and Orenda. Her interests also include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois. She can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and her book blog Write Away Bliss.

Trivia For Adults by Joe Hewitt

Genre:  Puzzles and Games

I really enjoyed thisbook.  The trivia lover in your life will too.The author has created 620 questions, which is enough for several games.  This is a way to have some good clean fun.  If you are like me it is a way to learn some unknown facts that are quite interesting. I enjoyed just reading this through for the information.  I have a friend who loves to sit with friends and play trivia games so this is definitely a recommendation for them.  I was also thinking that this would make the perfect gift for that trivia lover you know.
I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest reivew.

Student Saturday: The Secret Gardent by Francis Hodgson Burnett and Margaet DeKeyser

Student Reviewer:  Edgely J.
Genre: Middle Grade Realistic Fiction, Mystery

This book opens with a sour-looking girl who is about to experience a sad tragedy with her rich and spoiled family. She finds herself going far away from India to England to live with an unknown uncle of hers who lives in a big manor on a large moor. She never sees her uncle whose wife had died ten years before. She finds that there are may mysteries within the manor. Why are many of the rooms locked? What is that cryng she hears at night? Why is one of the grdens locked? Are all of the flowers dead? Where's the key? through the poer of friendship, nature and curriosity, Mary uncovers all of the mysteries. I would recommend this book to readers who like realistic fiction and mysteries.

Belle, Belle, where are you? By Jo Alex

Genre: Young Readers (Toddler, Preschool)

Book Synopsis

The story is about a little boy who comes home one day and is looking for his best friend, his dog, Belle. He cannot find her. He searches for her in various parts of the house. Halfway through the story, he is beginning to wonder if Belle is lost, but he doesn’t give up. His worry grows as he continues searching for her. What happened to Belle? You have to read to find out if he finds her or not. May be you can help him look for Belle?

My Thoughts:

This cute little interactive book teaches kids to perservere.  When the little boy can't find his dog he doesn't just sit down and cry.  He continue to look for her until he finds her  With the items that can be clicked, children will enjoy this book.

Jo Alex Bio:

Jo Alex is a resident of Seattle, and was inspired to move here years ago after seeing a magnificent view of Mount Rainier.  She draws inspiration for her writing from many sources, by her travels, and also the many memories of her dog Belle.  An avid Northwest foodie, she loves the eclectic restaurants of the Northwest and enjoys walking the many Seattle

Belle, Belle, where are you? is her first Apple iBook and she is excited to introduce it to children. It is only available for the Apple iPad and purchasable on the Apple iBookstore, and this is because Apple’s special iBook format allows for sounds and clickpoints to be added to the book.

Free coloring printables: http://joalexbooks.com/blog/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joalexbooks

Website: http://joalexbooks.com

Apple iBookstore link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/belle-belle-where-are-you/id905161357?mt=11&uo=4

Excerpt:

Belle, Belle, where are you?  You are not beside your favorite table. Belle, Belle, where are you?  You are not behind the big red couch, where you like to take naps.  Belle, Belle, where are you?

Lug: Dawn of the Ice Age by David Zeltser

Genre: Middle Grade, Adventure
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads
A hilarious middle-grade novel about a misunderstood caveboy perfect for fans of Ice Age, Happy Feet, The Time Warp Trio, and Platypus Police Squad. 

Lug is a caveboy who would rather paint than club other caveboys. The clan even mocks him, calling him "Little Slug." Like all the other caveboys, Lug must enter the contest to become the clan's next Big Man and attempt to catch the Biggest Beast--even though he would much rather spend his days painting in his secret art cave. When Lug is banished for failing to catch a jungle llama, he thinks he is alone in the world but finds others who believe in him: his clanmate Stony and a new friend, Echo, a girl from a rival clan who can talk to animals and just may be prehistory's first vegetarian/animal rights activist. Together they face even bigger challenges--Lug discovers the Ice Age is coming and he has to bring the warring clans together to save them not only from the freeze but also from a particularly unpleasant migrating pride of saber-toothed tigers. It's no help that the elders are cavemen who can't seem to get the concept of climate change through their thick skulls. With both funny, anachronistic humor, charming characters, and strong themes, Lug, Dawn of the Ice Ageis sure to be a hit with many readers.

My Thoughts:
I knew from the minute I began reading this book that I was gong to love it.  The book starts out like this: "If you are looking at my cave paintings, I have succeeded. If not, we humans are probably extinct. You see, the world began to get colder-- much colder And my clan initially reacted by doing this:



That's right, a whole lot of NOTHING."  The middle of that first page is literally blank.  I kept giggling over it.  The story is about a boy who is not like many of the others in his clan. He is a dreamer, he is artistic and he dares to challenge their belief system. When he is vanished along with another boy, he sees it as somewhat of an advantage. He learns a lot about himself and about true courage. The story, set in stone age time is still very appropriate to kids of today. Themes and issues of friendship,  bullies, fitting in with your peers and your own family are things every kid today can relate to.  I can't wait to put this on my shelf.  I also can't wait for the second book in the series to come out next year.  It is such a quick and easy read.  It is so fun that kids won't realize there are lessons to learn within the pages.  I don't think there are enough stars to give this one, but it definitely goes to the top of my middle grade favorites of the year.

Author Contact:

https://twitter.com/davidzeltser

https://www.facebook.com/davidzeltser

www.davidzeltser.com