M.M. Hudson's Blog, page 77

Book Tour #Giveaway for Florentine Deception

a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour Schedule: May 16 - Cheryl's Book Nook - spotlight / giveaway May 16 - Corinne Rodrigues - spotlight / giveaway May 16 - Bound 4 Escape - spotlight / giveaway May 16 - Dab of Darkness - review / author interview / giveaway May 17 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - review May 17 - #redhead.with.book - spotlight / giveaway May 17 - Words And Peace - spotlight / giveaway May 18 - Book reviews nature photos and everything in between - spotlight ​May 18 - T's Stuff - spotlight / giveaway May 18 - Take It Personel-ly - review / author interview / giveaway May 19 - Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama - spotlight / giveaway May 19 - Fantastic Feathers - spotlight / giveaway May 19 - 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy , + Sissy, Too! - spotlight / giveaway May 19 - Life as Leels - review May 20 - Celticlady's Reviews - spotlight / giveaway May 20 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - guest post May 20 - Reading Authors - spotlight / giveaway May 20 - Olio by Marilyn - review / author interview May 23 - Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes - spotlight / giveaway May 23 - Ali - The Dragon Slayer - review / guest post / giveaway May 23 - Deal Sharing Aunt - spotlight / giveaway May 24 - Rockin' Book Reviews - spotlight / giveaway May 24 - The Travelogue of a book addict - The Book Drealms - spotlight / giveaway May 24 - Blooming with Books - spotlight / giveaway May 25 - Brooke Blogs - review / guest post / giveaway May 25 - Book and Ink - spotlight / giveaway May 25 - alwaysjoart - spotlight / giveaway May 26 - the bookdragon - spotlight / giveaway May 26 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - spotlight / giveaway May 26 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway May 27 - Create With Joy - review / giveaway May 27 - Bookworm for Kids - spotlight / giveaway May 27 - Storeybook Reviews - spotlight / giveaway

#Review: The Changing Season by Steven Manchester #YABooks

Summary:
This was supposed to be a simple summer for Billy: one more lazy expanse of time before college began. He'd fill the hours playing with Jimmy – his canine best buddy – going camping and doing all the things he promised Jimmy they'd do before Billy left. But that was before the accident that shook the entire town. It was before the summer job that turned into something so much more than a way to get a paycheck. And it was before Vicki. This summer was destined to be many things to Billy, things he didn't truly understand until now. But it was definitely not going to be simple.

My review:
I was very excited to get to read yet another book from Steven Manchester. His books always have terrific intertwining of characters and interesting outcomes. The Changing Season did not disappoint.

"...one wrong choice..and your whole life..." 

This is the story of a teen boy who is getting ready to graduate from high school and has nothing but his life ahead of him. Life is good but no idea what is in store for the future is for him. He has two best friends and one furry friend that makes life complete but they change everything. Then there is Vicki who becomes the love of his life but...

One wrong choice is made. Once choice that will affect his life and all of those that surround him. I cannot reveal who makes the choice, for that you will have to read the book.
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I was astounded by these characters. Although the book mainly focuses on Billy and his relationships, the supposedly minor characters are the ones that really make the impact for the book. Without them, Billy would have no story and pretty much an ordinary life with his dog. However, Steven Manchester is a master story teller who knows how to weave words. He peels back the layers that reveal the essence of ones soul.

I was able to tell early on in the book what would eventually happen to Billy and the direction he would take in life. It was inevitable because of the Summer job he had. I do wished that part of the book had not been so obvious but it was. It took several chapters to get to the ending of what already could be figured out and that made the book a little cumbersome but not too bad,

His relationship with his dog was one that could be relate-able for anyone who has a pet that is considered family. I wondered if the author has such a pet?

A chunk of the book told of his relationship with Vicki. So many surprises for them. Their love story is beautiful and I could view them as if I was their best friends watching it blossom. There was hope for them and it felt good but..."One wrong choice..." 
For me, I felt disappointment, I was invested in them. There was such build up for them.  I thought that the author would leave it all nice and toasty and all would be good, but he didn't and it was abrupt.

In fact, the book is not at all what one would expect and the characters are flawed.
Is that a spoiler? I think not. Sometimes, things cannot always be nicey-nice and again, that is what makes the author stand out and is a plus for the book as a whole.

The characters throughout the book interject thoughts about the world around them and what they thing should or should not be. Although these moments were written as character spoken, I felt as I was reading that this, was actually the author's own thoughts coming through. This was not a negative but rather, an observation.

So, where does that leave me? 
I liked this book but was not in love with it as I have been with others. Still, I give it 4 stars!

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours.
~Naila Moon


Where to find the author:


Amazon
Facebook
Goodreads

#Spotlight: Urban Boys by K.N. Smith @knsmith_author @iReadBookTours #YAfiction #action #paranormal

Book Description for The Urban Boys: 
The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses is an action-adventure story about five teen boys who are mysteriously exposed to a foreign energy source that gives them extremely heightened senses. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become hypersensitive gifts that forever change the world! The story chronicles their effortless interrelations and later exposes the testing of their deep bonds, and introduces the reader to an array of supporting characters who alter the boys’ lives forever. The Urban Boys offers young and mature readers central themes of loyalty, responsibility, honesty, fear, and triumph, which become artfully integrated with cinematic-level action and high drama. We wonder, will they pass the test of fate, and will each of us pass the test of our very own lives? Intriguing, intelligent, and full of action, The Urban Boys offers a memorable, emotion-packed, thrilling ride for traditional and digital readers of all ages! (first in a series)

 Buy the book: Amazon ,Barnes & Noble

 Praise for The Urban Boys:
 "An energetic YA adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith's writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle."- Kirkus Media "

Author K.N. Smith uses her mastery of the written word to weave an entrancing, yet powerful tale of adventure that keeps you turning pages in an unquenchable desire to find out what happens next. The author's matchless prose details cinematic fight sequences and fully developed characterizations especially in a final, stupendous scene that will take your breath away and leave you limp with spent emotions. Five stars for this imaginative and inspiring story, sure to be as appealing to general audiences as it will be to the YA crowd!" 5-stars - Publishers Daily Reviews

 "I LOVE to read, but live a hugely busy life. It gets more complicated upon that rare occasion when a book is so captivating, so enthralling, that it is impossible to walk away. With only definitive hours in a day, something has to give. For me, that was sleep! And it was worth every sacrificed minute. “The Urban Boys” was the grand slam home run and exceeded my wildest expectations and I would bet, maybe yours, as well. Totally new concepts and a rich crew of characters – good, bad and ugly… and suspenseful twists that keep you guessing, and such beautiful, strong writing! A must read for fans of YA action/adventure/fantasy!!" 5-stars - Indie Book Reviewers

 See more reviews: www.knsmith.com/reviews

 Trailer:

 

 Author's Bio:
K.N. Smith is an American author and passionate advocate of childhood and family literacy programs throughout the world. She continues to inspire students of all ages to reach their highest potential in their literary and educational pursuits. Her creative, lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist, turn, and grind through elements of paranormal and action-adventure in diverse, exciting, edge-of-your-seat narratives. She lives with her family in California.

 Connect with the author: Website Twitter Facebook

#Review: Z is for Moose by Kelly Bingham/Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Summary:
Zebra thinks the alphabet should be simple. A is for Apple. B is for Ball. Easy! But his friend Moose is too excited to wait his turn, and when M isn't for Moose (Mouse gets the honor), the rest of the letters better run for cover. Exuberant and zany storytelling brings to life two friends and one laugh-out-loud comedy of errors that's about friendship, sharing, and compromise.

My review:
In essence this a simple alphabet book. Well, it is supposed to be. However, as the summary suggest Moose gets left out. He is sad, hurt, and down right mad. I had to chuckle as Moose appearance began almost immediately but when it was his turn...total laughter.

This book was truly a different take on an alphabet picture book with funny characters and laugh out loud words. Young kids will love this. The illustrations are simple line drawings but fill the entire page with muted colors. You have to check this one out!
4 stars.
Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:
Goodreads
Amazon

Kid Lit Blog Hop April 2016 #Linkup #KidLitHop #KLBH, #A-ZChallenge

Hello! Welcome to the April 2016  Kid Lit Blog Hop. This month, I am asking you to go back through all of the posts I have made for the month of April. With the exception of a couple post, each and every one is a review for a children's book. I have found some really great literature and shared them. Some are surprisingly funny, including one from a well-known star. Several of the books I purchased for my collections, others I utilized the local library. Hope you enjoy them. I will come by to see you soon! 

This exciting,monthly hop, is where we develop an engaged group of people who love everything that has to do with children's literature. Everyone is welcome to join us: bloggers, authors, publicist, and publishers!

Simply make a post related to Children’s literature and add it to the linky. (Please make sure to add your direct post only) If you are an author, feel free just to link to your blog.

Once you are done, then hop around to visit others. Please follow the co-host and visit at least the two people above your link. Please leave a comment when you do visit, we all like those.Also, it would be appreciated if you grab the Kid Lit Blog Hop Badge and display it on your blog and/or your post.

We would also be grateful if you tweet about the blog hop. Let’s grow this wonderful community.

Our next hop will be May 17, 2016. The hostess will be around to see you. Happy Hopping! ~Naila Moon
Reading Authors, HostessJulie GrassoCheryl CarpinelloBeachBoundBooksPragmatic MomThe LogonautsA Book Long EnoughSpark and Pook
Hits and Misses

#Review: Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh #Multicultural

Summary:
Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a lawsuit in federal district court. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.

My review:
Before the Brown vs. Board of Education, which is well known to me, there was the Mendez family who fought for equality in the schools. I find it awful that such things have even taken place in this country, although, I know it has.

I applaud people like the Mendez's who fought for their children to have good education. All children deserve to have the same opportunities. This story follows them from the time the children were rejected right through the court case and back to the school.

I should not be, but I was amazed at the bigotry provided by the school, especially when the children were present at the case. Again, I question why?

In the back of the book, there is an update by the author, photographs of the real people involved, a glossary, and bibliography.

The illustrations in the book were simple line drawing and added to the feel. The colors were muted blues, browns, reds, and greens. I thought it was interesting that none of the character's faces were faced forward but always sideways. Was this a statement in itself? Perhaps.

Overall, I think this is a book that should be read to all children and the case should be brought to the public more as this was just the beginning of children's right to school. 

5 stars! Note: This book has received at least two rewards but I was not able to find which ones for my review.

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this book at my local library to read and review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon

Where to find the author:


Amazon
Goodreads

#Review: People by Peter Spier #Multicultural

My review:
As the title suggests, this book is all about people. People of every nation, people around the world, people of every color and creed. I love this book because it takes an in depth look of how we all live, dress, worship, play, and enjoy life without prejudice.

The book gives children an idea of how being different is ok. However, it does not shy away from the fact that when we are different, that other people may not like us but, it is still ok to be the way we are. The author shows us that in our differences we are still all human beings, we are born as babies and die at some point.

The colors of this book are amazing:blues, reds,yellows, greens, and browns. The illustrations are all pen drawn with the colors added. This adds to the whole feel of the book and once again, highlights the title, "People".

The author has been awarded several awards for the book and it is without a doubt deserving of my 5 stars. This should be in every home, library, and classroom.

Disclosure: I obtained a copy of this book from my local library. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon


Where to find the author:

Amazon