Book Spotlight: Banned Books, Crop Tops, and Other Bad Influences

 

Rose is used to be a "good" girl; she doesn't question anything. But when Talia arrives in town, she starts asking all sorts of questions. They're not friends. But after meeting at the local synagogue, they have a conversation. Talia understands things like no one student at school.  Talia gives Rose a book to read. Rose gets in trouble for having the book in school; the book is on a list that's being potential banned book list at their school. Rose didn't even know about the list. Why are the books being banned from the school library? Why is her best friend's mom leading the charge? Rose joins a Banned Book Club with Talia and some classmates. How can Rose reconcile her new thoughts within her world? Will she have the courage to speak up?

I haven't finished this book. It makes me angry that both Rose and Talia have to deal with adults trying to stifle their learning. I'm glad that they've become friends. There's a lot of jokes about Talia being too much for Rose's mom. I'm curious to see where that goes. I'm curious to see how the book club turns out. I can't wait to see where this book ends. 

* Book sent for review

Book Spotlight: How to Quit Your Crush

HOW TO QUIT YOUR CRUSH

by Amy Fellner Dominy 

Publication Date: May 4, 2020 

Genres: Entangled: Crush, Teen Romance, Contemporary, Enemies to Lovers, Opposites Attract, Romance

About the Book:

Mai Senn knows Anthony Adams is no good for her – no matter how hard she might crush on him. She’s valedictorian; he’s a surf bum. She’s got plans, he’s got his art. Complete opposites in every way. Vinegar and baking soda, they once joked. A chemical reaction that bubbled.

Yeah, they bubbled. Maybe still do.

Good thing Anthony’s got the perfect plan: two weeks to prove just how not good they are together. Whoever can come up with the worst date—something the other will seriously hate, proving how incompatible they truly are—wins.

Like taking a snake-phobe to the Reptile House at the zoo (his idea).

Or a cooking class where they don’t even get to eat the food (her idea).

It’s all about the competition, and it’s meant to help them finally crush their crushes. But it wasn’t supposed to be so hot. Or so fun. And when Mai’s future becomes at stake, will she be able to do the right thing and quit Anthony forever?

Doesn't that sound good?

I've enjoyed Amy's previous books: 
Matter of Heart

and
Die for You

and
Fall of Grace

So I'm excited to read her newest novel!

ABOUT AMY FELLNER DOMINY

Amy grew up loving to read and figured out at an early age that books were magical and necessary. She started submitting her own stories to be published when she was thirteen. Amy is now the award-winning author of nine books spanning young adult, middle grade, and picture books. Titles for Entangled include Announcing Trouble and the companion novel, How to Quit Your Crush. Amy lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and a puppy who is training them. 

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter | Bookbub | Amazon Author Profile | Entangled Publishing

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3db0mxZ

iBooks: https://apple.co/2YqXWXQ

B and N: https://bit.ly/35ogh9b

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2WmijTa

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/35s37bw

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2YBxeMj

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2z32wR8

 

Book Spotlight: High Hand

A PROPHETIC STORY THAT IMITATES THE POLITICAL

AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS HEADLINES OF TODAY

“The Acclaimed Espionage Novel That Eerily Predicted Trump and Russia."

—Dr. Vince Houghton, the Historian and Curator of the International Spy Museum 

                              

About the Book:

Title: High Hand

Author: Curtis J. James

Publisher: Copper Peak Press

Years before the rise of Donald Trump, this acclaimed international thriller predicted the future. A billionaire businessman is on a glide path to the White House. When an award-winning investigative reporter and former Moscow correspondent gets a call from a friend in Russia, he returns to his old stomping ground in a high-stakes bid to uncover the truth about the Republican candidate's secret ties to the Kremlin--and discovers bizarre intervention by President Vladimir Putin and a US spy agency's covert effort to alter the presidential race. 

Books imitating Life:

 Dr. Vince Houghton, the Historian and Curator of the International Spy Museum, took an extreme interest in High Hand and feels the authors essentially predicted the 2016 election. “It’s hard to overstate how prescient this book is, especially considering how long it takes from when a book is actually written until it is published,” Dr. Houghton reveals. “Rosen, Harris and Ellenberger were thinking about Russian interference in an American presidential election years ago. Throw in the billionaire Republican candidate and the espionage angle and you’ve got the classic recipe for life imitating art. The only problem these authors will have is convincing people they didn’t hastily write this book in the summer of 2017.”

  

About the Authors:

Curtis J. James is a pseudonym for the three writers who collaborated on this book, an amalgam of their first names. They are Curtis Harris, James Ellenberger, and James Rosen.

JAMES ELLENBERGER worked for nearly 30 years in numerous capacities with the national AFL-CIO. A Vietnam War veteran, he has written numerous articles on international labor affairs, social insurance and medical care for injured workers. He is a founding member of the National Academy of Social Insurance.

CURTIS HARRIS is a physician-scientist who is world-renowned in the field of cancer research. Dr. Harris has published more than 500 journal articles and 100 book chapters, has edited 10 books, and holds more than 25 advanced biotechnology patents owned by the US government. He is chief of the Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis at the NIH National Cancer Institute. He is adjunct Professor of Oncology at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

JAMES ROSEN is an award-winning political and national security journalist who reported from Moscow during the historic collapse of the Soviet Union. Since then, he has covered the Pentagon, the White House and Congress, producing a number of complex investigative articles on insecure nuclear weapons (“loose nukes”) in Russia; alleged Saudi complicity in the Sept. 11 attacks; sleeper Islamic jihadist cells in Europe; and a range of other cutting-edge topics.

For more information, visit www.curtisjjames.com and connect with the authors on Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Spotlight on Voyagers

Do you know about the VOYAGERS book series?

Book 1: Project Alpha just came out and it's perfect for middle grader readers.

Earth is about to go dark. Without a new power source, life as we know it will be toast. A global competition is under way to determine who will join the secret mission that might just save us all. Project Alpha is a contest of physical challenges, mental puzzles, and political alliances. The battle is fierce, and only four kids will make the cut. The Voyagers will journey to the far reaches of space, collecting unique elements and facing unbelievable dangers. The future of our planet is in the hands of four kids. Sure, they’ll be the best in the world . . . but can they save the world?

In VOYAGERS: PROJECT ALPHA—the first in a six-book series with each title penned by a different blockbuster author—we are introduced to a world in danger. Without a renewable source of clean energy, the earth will be toast in less than a year. Only a spaceship piloted by children can reach the essential elements that are scattered throughout the galaxy. Equipped with a full online companion experience, the fun extends well beyond the page. 

Do you have what it takes to be a Voyager? Check out the cool website that goes along with the books to find out. Plus play the games, crack the codes, and learn more about this series 

And if you're a teacher or librarian, you're in luck. There's an Educator's Guide.

Spotlight on Smoked

Title: Smoked

Author: Mari Mancusi

Series: Scorched, #3

Pubdate: September 1^st, 2015

ISBN: 9781402284649

Once upon a time the world burned.

Until a girl and her dragon smothered the flame.

But the spark that ignited the apocalypse never went out.

And the scorch is about to begin…

When Team Dragon rescues Emmy from the government lab, they think the future is finally safe. But they soon discover that Emmy has a secret—a secret so dangerous it could trigger the very apocalypse Connor and Caleb were sent back in time to prevent.

As a dragon hunter, Connor has committed his life to saving the world. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to complete his mission…even if it meant betraying his brother and losing Trinity’s heart. Even if it meant doing the unthinkable.

But a desperate choice meant to prevent The Scorch, may be the spark that sets the world aflame once more.

The epic conclusion to the genre-bending Scorched series, which Melissa de la Cruz, New York Times bestselling author of the Blue Bloods series, called  "A heart-pounding, twisty, time-travel fantasy.”

I really liked books 1 and 2! I can't wait to read the end of the trilogy!

Character Interview: EMMY

Full Name: Emberlyn

Nickname (if applicable): Emmy

Height: I’m growing bigger every day

Scale Color: Green

Eye Color: blue

Age:  1

Originally from: my egg was unearthed from a melting glacier. 

Describe yourself in 200 words or less:

I’m the world’s last dragon and I’m bonded to my Fire Kissed, Trinity Foxx, who helped me hatch from my egg. I love TV (my favorite show is the BBC’s Merlin) and scratches on my snout and behind my ears. I’m actually very loyal and loving, though many believe I am a monster that should be put down before my kind destroys the world. I also LOVE meat. All meat, but the bloodier/rawer the better. But no, I don’t eat humans so don’t worry!

What matters most to you?

My Fire Kissed, Trinity. Her safety and happiness mean everything to me.

When not trying to save the world, how do you spend your time?

I’m sort of limited in activities, as I have to keep out of sight. I love watching TV and eating though. Simple, satisfying pleasures.

If money was no object and you had 3 weeks of vacation from being on the run what would you do with your time?

I would fly everywhere, stretching my wings and checking out the world. It would be amazing to have that freedom. Unfortunately I don’t think that’s in the cards for me. As I have learned firsthand, the world is not a place for dragons.

An Excerpt
“Okay, Fire Kissed,” he said. “It’s showtime.”Together they jumped out of the truck, slamming the doors behind them. Connor ran around the back, rolling up the door and pulling out a huge box. Trinity helped him heave it onto the loading dock.“Are you okay in there?” she whispered to the box. “Perfect,” Nate assured her from inside. “You guys go on ahead. I should be close enough now to hack into their security cameras and get them offline.” He paused then added, “Good luck. Just don’t forget about me once you have your dragon.”“Never,” Trinity assured him, patting the box. Then she rose to her feet and approached Connor. “Ready?”“As I’ll ever be.”With confident, casual steps, they strode up to the guard, who was propped in a chair by the elevator, his feet up, nose in a book, completely ignoring the chaos around him. Guess deliveries weren’t in his job description. Connor gave him a small smile. “We need the elevator,” he informed him.“Yeah, well, I need my ex-wife to get off my back,” the guard said lazily, snapping his gum. “We’ve all got problems.” Connor’s eyes zeroed in on him. “I don’t think you under- stand,” he said. “We need the elevator. We need to get upstairs. You need to let us in.”Trinity drew in a breath, watching him work. She had to admit, Connor looked particularly hot when he was working to manipulate people’s minds. It was like he got this look in his eyes—those blue, glowing eyes of his—like he was some kind of Jedi Master or something. Truth be told, it kind of made her want to jump his bones. Not that this was the time or the place.Pushing the inappropriate thought down, she turned back to his victim. Sure enough, the man’s face had gone slack, and he was staring up at Connor with vacant eyes. “You need the elevator,” he droned. “You need to get upstairs. You need me to let you in.”Then, to Trinity’s excitement, he slowly rose to his feet, walked over to the elevator in question, and inserted his key. Just like that. A moment later, the doors yawned open. The guard looked at them expectantly.Trin flashed Connor an approving look. You didn’t even need my help for that one, she teased.Yeah, well, it’s all you from here on out, he shot back, but he looked pleased by the compliment all the same.

About the author: Mari Mancusi is a two-time Emmy award-winning television producer and author of novels for adults and teens. A graduate of Boston University, she now lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and young daughter. When not writing or producing she enjoys traveling, snowboarding, reading fantasy novels, and her favorite guilty pleasure: video games.

Sounds fantastic right? Then enter to win the complete set!
(US only)

: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight on Girl World

Girl World: How to Ditch The Drama and Find Your Inner Amazing

Book Information:

Title: Girl World: How to Ditch The Drama and Find Your Inner Amazing

Author: Patricia Ottaviano

Release Date: August 4, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Summary:The guide every girl needs to survive the pitfalls of teen-dom

Mean stares. Hurtful whispers. The cold shoulder. Being a girl is harder than it looks. In a world where gossip, drama, and rumors seem to be never ending, it’s not easy to navigate the halls of middle school or high school without earning a few battle scars.

But what if you could change all that? With practical advice for how to fearlessly stand your ground, hold your own, and dictate your own happiness, Girl World will help you move beyond the bad attitudes and transform your insecurities into strengths. From friendship conflicts to the ugly side to social media, learn how to ditch the drama and kick your inner critic to the curb so you can truly start appreciating yourself.

Every day is a new day. Embrace it!

About the Author:

Patricia Ottaviano is the 23-year-old founder of Sister Soldier—Stand up for Each Other, a nonprofit dedicated to stopping girl-on-girl bullying in all of its forms through school assemblies and outreach. A graduate of Michigan University, she is currently pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology at Yeshiva University. Learn more at sistersoldier.org.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://sistersoldier.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SisterSoldierStandUp

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sistersoldier_

Instagram: https://instagram.com/Sister_soldier/

Excerpt from Girl World:

Dear Girls,

Being a girl is harder than it looks. On one hand, we have our best friends by our sides to boost our happiness, give us a sense of belonging, lift us up on a bad day, and make us laugh until our stomachs hurt. Let’s be real for a sec…it isn’t always that pretty. Who hasn’t experienced how downright mean girls can be? Who hasn’t witnessed the judgment and negativity that can consume female conversation?

In a world where gossip, drama, and rumors seem to be never ending, of course there are going to be times when you doubt your friends, doubt yourself, and seriously start thinking that moving to a foreign country doesn’t sound half bad.

What happens when you don’t know who your friends are anymore? Or when you don’t know who to trust? Have you ever felt like insecurities, nerves, and uncertainties were ruling your world? Ever feel like everyone seems to have the missing piece to the puzzle but you? What about being the center of a hurtful rumor…has that happened to you? Or how about experiencing some major FOMO (fear of missing out)? How do you pick yourself up after feeling torn down, left out, or straight-up rejected by girls you thought were your friends?

What if I told you that I’ve created a handbook, specially crafted for you, with lots of love, to navigate all of these circumstances and more?

Well, this is that book! It will guide you through Girl World, one sticky situation at a time, while pausing for advice breaks, some killer action steps, and perhaps an occasional dance party.

In this groovy guidebook you’ll learn…

•    How to transform insecurities into strengths when feeling like you don’t fit in or are the odd girl out.

•    What to do if you feel nervous and intimidated by certain girls or when you don’t trust your friends.

•    Step-by-step ways to keep drama to a minimum when confrontations, conflicts, or arguments arise.

•    How to handle the ugly side of social networking sites.

•    How to fearlessly stand your ground, hold your own, and not allow others to dictate your mood.

•    How to kick your inner critic to the curb and start appreciating yourself.

…and the list goes on.

Oh, and did I mention that you will love yourself a whole lot more by the end?

So you’re probably wondering, “Who is this Trish chick, and how is she going to help me?”

First, I’ve been there. I’m just a few years older than you, so I totally know what’s up. Second, I’m constantly traveling from state to state, getting the lowdown from middle school and high school girls about what is bothering them in their friendships. You see, I’m the founder of the nonprofit organization Sister-Soldier—Stand Up for Each Other, a school assembly and empowerment program for girls. Our mission is to alleviate the pain caused by the often mean and hurtful ways that girls treat one another and also treat themselves. Pretty rad goal, right?

One of my favorite parts of an assembly is afterward, when I get to hang out with you girls and talk more in depth about your specific situations. There is never enough time to cover all of the important topics. This book can. It has specific advice about what to do in a number of different—yet common—situations, and it offers solutions, action steps that will make you feel way better about yourself and the junk that’s bringing you down.

This is your book, your way out of the craziness and into the awesomeness that is Girl World. Cherish it like you would your phone, your celebrity crush, or those sweet new shoes you’ve been saving up for. It contains all the answers you will need. You’ll feel more confident and secure. You’ll develop strong, fulfilling friendships that lift you up rather than tear you down. And you’ll discover a renewed sense of self-love.

All right, my friend. I invite you to hop aboard the love bus, because your ride is about to get wayyy better.

Peace, Love, and Some Serious Upgrades,

Trish

Rafflecopter Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway