L.B. Anne's Blog, page 4

Middle Grade Graphic Novel: Stargazing Book Review

Hi, my name is Leah and I’m one of L.B. Anne’s Summer Interns for her Author Apprentice Summer Internship Program. Today I get the chance to blog about a wonderful book (chosen by me) called Stargazing, by Jen Wang. Check it out.Stargazing is a wholesome, fictional, graphic novel about the Hong family who becomes neighbors with Moon and her mother YuWen. It just so happens that both families have girls who are about the same age, Moon, and Christine.Moon and Christine become best friends. Moon is creative and loves adventure, and Christine, an introvert who loves reading. Once becoming good friends, they decide to enter their school’s talent show, but then things take a turn… This book was so sweet, between their friendship and the events that happened. I would highly recommend this book to ages 8-14. I rate this book an 8 out of 10. It was a great emotional story based on true events with a hint of fiction. “Intimate and sweet. I’d like to hand Stargazing to every kid I know.” -Raina Telgemier, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Smile. “Touching, funny, and sweetly observed” -Vera Brosgol, author of Be Prepared.If you ever decide to take the time to read this wonderful book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Available where books are sold. Shout out to L. B. Anne for hosting this wonderful Summer Internship that I get to be a part of and for giving me this opportunity.Leah V.

#stargazing #stargazingbook #Yenwang #grafficnovel #bookreview #middlegradegraphicnovel

Five Middle Grade Books to Read this Summer

With summer just around the corner, it is time to get your hands (and eyes) on some books where there is no shortage of action. This time around though, I decided to add in a time-honored and Newbery Award-winning book “blast” from the past. Every one of these books is packed full of ADVENTURE, which we all know is a key ingredient for a great summer. Enjoy! Return to the Secret Lake In this sequel to the International Best Seller, The Secret Lake, more time travel adventure awaits Stella, Tom, Lucy, and Emma. Wanting the secret lake to reappear and find their way back to their friends has been impossible since the magical moles disappeared, leaving no tunnel to allow them back and forth between time periods.But when Emma develops a life-threatening illness, the moles reappear. Lucy realizes that the best chance of curing Emma’s illness will come from the future. Beyond enjoying the reunion of the friends, middle grade readers will become engaged in considering changes over time in vocabulary, dress, technology, and advancements in medical treatment. Just as in the first book, The Secret Lake, this second installment carries through with the ideas of how a caring friendship transcends differences, even differences resulting from living 100 years apart, and how teamwork is always an essential element in overcoming challenges. More Info. The Way to Storey Eleven-year-old Luella loves living in the swamps of Florida with her grandfather, a place where fate seems determined to have her return. However, when curiosity gets the best of Lou, men come and forcedly take Gramps away, and then begin the search for Luella herself. After escaping capture, guided by a peculiar light shining from her grandfather’s drawer, Luella sets out to find Storey, the place where her grandfather seemed to know she’d one day go. Getting there leads Luella on a swampland adventure. Without her grandfather, Luella works to persevere, beyond her fears, to reach the place he’d told her about so many times. Will finding Storey help Lou find her grandfather and be the place she’d imagined from his stories? And why are there so many people determined to find Luella before she finds Storey? More Info. Trouble at Turtle Pond After losing the beloved class pet, eleven-year-old Miles is ready for the move to Marsh Hollow where he hopes he can shake off the reputation he has had for years as a troublemaker. He’s also more than ready to ditch the nickname of “Mayhem Miles.” After his move, Miles meets his neighbor, Pia, and joins her and the other Backyard Rangers in his new neighborhood. Miles quickly becomes motivated to do what he can to help solve ecological problems. Miles and his new friends dedicate themselves to solving the mystery of missing turtle eggs and figure out what is harming the endangered turtles in the pond. Clues unfold that indicate that illegal poaching could be happening right there in their own backyard. Somehow, Miles suddenly finds himself under suspicion by his new friends, causing him to worry that he’ll never get away from being seen as a troublemaker. A great representation of the thoughts and feelings a child with ADHD might struggle through, especially in a situation where making new friends and starting over are at the forefront. Middle grade readers will enjoy this great ecological mystery with a loveable, relatable central character that just needs a fresh start and an understanding circle of friends. More Info. Island of the Blue Dolphins This is the survival story of a 12-year-old Native American girl in the 1800s that is left behind by her tribe on a Pacific island off the coast of Southern California with her younger brother. Karana and her brother must now survive on their own facing harsh weather, rugged conditions, and a pack of wild dogs that are a constant threat. Years pass with Karana finding ways to persevere on the island alone, crafting her own home, finding food, and making her own weapons to protect herself from her enemies, the wild dogs. Based on the true story of a Native American woman who survived on an island alone for 18 years, this is a gripping story of grit, courage, and finding the determination to keep going in the most extreme conditions imaginable. This book teaches readers to find strength within themselves and the value of independence. Originally published in 1960, this is an award-winning and timeless story that middle grade readers will still find fascinating and relevant today. More Info. The Unforgettable Logan Foster With his photographic memory, a brain full of curious facts, and a quirky manner, Logan Foster has given up the idea of ever being adopted. Years in the foster care system have taught him that most “PP’s” (prospective parents) aren’t looking for these traits in the child they will take home with them, but that doesn’t stop Logan from being himself and speaking his mind. Enter Gil and Margie Morrow; Logan’s new family. It doesn’t take long before Logan is figuring out that things might now be what they seem with Gil and Margie. They are out at strange hours of the night, the house has the most highly intricate security systems Logan has ever heard of, and Gil and Margie never seem to eat. But none of that prepares Logan to learn that his new parents are actually superheroes in the midst of an intense battle against evil villains. Logan’s own super-ability to never forget anything he sees or hears might just be the thing that saves them all. Middle grade readers will love Logan’s endearing personality, the non-stop adventure packed into this book, and the chance to explore the idea of valuing ourselves and our unique abilities. The best part; this is only the first book of the Logan Foster series. More Info. Be sure to check these out and come back and let me know which ones you chose!Blessings,LB

#middlegradebbooks #summerreading #summerreadinglist #chapterbookstoread

Virtual Summer Program for Kids

It's back for a second year! Applications for the L. B. Anne Author Apprentice Summer Internship are now open. If your child is between the ages of 10 and 18 (or will be this year) they are welcome to apply.Why do I do this?Because the world needs your gifts. Our children are full of incredible stories and just need the help of learning how to write them.I'm looking for kids who love to read, would like to write a book, may even be interested in book cover design, and who want to know all about the publishing industry.[image error][image error][image error]

One of last year's intern's posts for her social media takeover. She made bookmarks based on my Sheena Meyer series.

You can find out more about the internship here .Last year was so much fun. One Zoom meeting a week. A parent must be present and interns are given a weekly assignment to complete. During the last week of the program, after we receive final projects, intern stipends will be issued via Zelle.I hope you apply!LB

#summerinternship #summerintern #virtualinternship #kidsinternship #kidswritingworkshop

Middle Grade Book Launch Day

Secret of Shadow and Light is now available !Hi guys! Sorry to take most of January off—and I missed you—but I really needed to buckle down on my workload. There were several books to complete and several rounds of edits, revisions, and a lot of "Who put that there. Did I do that?"Now things are coming together and there is so much to share. But let's begin with Sheena Meyer.This was a hard project to complete. I've lost so many friends over the past six months. Even today as I wrote this post, I found out about someone passing. It's had to get things done when your heart is broken. But every time I was at my lowest, a parent would email letting me know what I do matters. And each time, I would respond with, "You made my day." I meant every word. Your emails, DMs, and photos kept me going, people. :)Okay, enough with the mushiness. You know I'll cry at the drop of a hat.We're on book six. Can you believe it? The secrets run deep in the city of Muskegon, Michigan (where I was born) as well as in the Meyer and Tobias families. The story behind the Secret of Shadow and Light is quite a mystery. A prophecy was foretold during the time the first gleamers arrived in Muskegon. But there was also a warning. It is up to Sheena to figure out the prophecy in order to determine her fate.The theme of the whole Sheena Meyer series is hope in the face of adversity, and you find Sheena has grown as the series progresses—as a person and as a gleamer. Little by little, more light is being shed on what it means to be a gleamer.Here's the big question: Does Sheena have to die?If you read book five of the series, City of Gleamers, then you understand why that's the question at hand. I've received lots of answers from my readers. I love that they've put so much thought into the story.But does she have to die?Yes, Sheena is going to die...But not in my story. LOL. Or there wouldn't be further books. Secret of Shadow and Light answers many questions but also presents some that I take into the coming seventh and final book of the series (May Your Vision Be True) before Sheena goes into high school in the new young adult series available fall 2022. Questions emailed or Dm'd:Reader: Can Sheena and Cameron become boyfriend and girlfriend?LB: Have you not met Sheena's father? No dating until she's older.Reader: Does Sheena have to kill Nana like Logan killed Luke?LB: Wait. What? That's a horrible thought. LOL. Who are you?Reader: Can Logan stay in the series?LB: Great question. Logan intrigues my readers. I think it's a great idea.I had the most fun author visit with a youth group in London, England. One question asked was:How do you come up with the names of your main characters?LB: My protagonist names must have the correct meaning. Sheena means "God is gracious." Meyer has several meanings, including "one who shines."A major setting in book six is an actual place in Muskegon, but I changed the name...The former hospital and land were once thought to be haunted.From Secret of Shadow and Light: Muskegon’s old Northbay Hospital might be torn down, but that didn’t stop it from being the creepiest place in the state, maybe even the country.Sheena read from the newspaper, “Years ago, the hospital was used for mental patients. Once it shut down, the hospital sat empty for years. Its eerie silhouette against the night sky.”Jasmine leaned over the island, her hair hanging, covering the newspaper. “It says here that the basement was the scariest place, and there were lots of rumors of creepy things going on down there.”“Well, now we know why. It’s where the Murk lives,” said Parker.You won't understand this aesthetics board until you read Secret of Shadow and light. I can just hear all the "Oh, that's what that photo meant." Every Sheena Meyer book has a Theme song. This is the theme of Secret of Shadow and Light.https://youtu.be/3OBn7fKYk_4"I touch the sky When my knees hit the ground..." Powerful.There is so much more that I want to share regarding what's in store for Sheena Meyer fans. But this is becoming a long post. I'll share more next time. You're going to love it!Blessings,LB

Five Black History Children's Books to Read

Sometimes we all need a little help on what to read. Check out these picture and chapter books on African American history.The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States, thoughtfully rendered by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning author Renée Watson. A young student receives a family tree assignment in school, but she can only trace back three generations. Grandma gathers the whole family, and the student learns that 400 years ago, in 1619, their ancestors were stolen and brought to America by white slave traders.But before that, they had a home, a land, a language. She learns how the people said to be born on the water survived.And the people planted dreams and hope,willed themselves to keepliving, living.And the people learned new wordsfor lovefor friendfor familyfor joyfor growfor home.With powerful verse and striking illustrations by Nikkolas Smith, Born on the Water provides a pathway for readers of all ages to reflect on the origins of American identity. THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER This chapter book edition of the groundbreaking #1 bestseller by luminaries Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds is an essential introduction to the history of racism and antiracism in America RACE. Uh-oh. The R-word. But actually talking about race is one of the most important things to learn how to do.Adapted from the award-winning, bestselling Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book takes readers on a journey from present to past and back again. Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they’ll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives. Ibram X. Kendi’s research, Jason Reynolds’s and Sonja Cherry-Paul’s writing, and Rachelle Baker’s art come together in this vital read, enhanced with a glossary, timeline, and more.Essential reading on American and Black history, race, protest and youth activism.★ Four Starred Reviews ★Editors’ Choice Book ―The New York TimesJane Addams Children’s Book AwardTop 10 Black History Books for Youth ―BooklistBest Books of the Year ―BooklistBest of 2012 ―Kirkus ReviewsBest Books 2012 List ―Publishers WeeklyBest Books of the Year ―School Library JournalParents’ Choice Gold AwardA Junior Library Guild SelectionThe inspiring story of the 1963 Birmingham Children’s March, one of the greatest moments in civil rights history, as seen through the eyes of four young people at the center of the action. From award-winning author Cynthia Levinson. The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March was a turning point in American history. African Americans had had enough of segregation and police brutality, but with their lives and jobs at stake, most adults were hesitant to protest the city’s racist culture. So the fight for civil rights lay in the hands of children like Audrey Hendricks, Wash Booker, James Stewart, and Arnetta Streeter.We’ve Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 Black elementary, middle, and high school students who answered Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to “fill the jails.” Between May 2 and May 11, 1963, these young people voluntarily went to jail, drawing national attention to the cause, helping bring about the repeal of segregation laws, and inspiring thousands of other young people to demand their rights.Combining extensive research and in-depth interviews with protesters, award-winning author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective. Archival photography and informational sidebars throughout. Backmatter includes an afterword, author’s note, timeline, map, and bibliography.Debut author Amina Luqman-Dawson pens a lyrical, accessible historical middle-grade novel about two enslaved children’s escape from a plantation and the many ways they find freedom. Under the cover of night, 12-year-old Homer flees Southerland Plantation with his little sister Ada, unwillingly leaving their beloved mother behind. Much as he adores her and fears for her life, Homer knows there’s no turning back, not with the overseer on their trail. Through tangled vines, secret doorways, and over a sky bridge, the two find a secret community called Freewater, deep in the swamp.In this society created by formerly enslaved people and some freeborn children, Homer finds new friends, almost forgetting where he came from. But when he learns of a threat that could destroy Freewater, he crafts a plan to find his mother and help his new home.Deeply inspiring and loosely based on the history of maroon communities in the South, this is a striking tale of survival, adventure, friendship, and courage.Jacqueline Woodson's National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner is a powerful memoir that tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse.A President Obama "O" Book Club pick Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.Includes 7 additional poems, including "Brown Girl Dreaming."Praise for Jacqueline Woodson:"Ms. Woodson writes with a sure understanding of the thoughts of young people, offering a poetic, eloquent narrative that is not simply a story . . . but a mature exploration of grown-up issues and self-discovery.”—The New York Times Book ReviewAnd let's add one from me that's coming soon.A Historical Fiction Novel For ages 8-12 A fictional story about actual events in African American and Indigenous peoples’ history.The underground railroad didn’t only run North, it also ran south to Spanish Florida. And out of that southern area came a young warrior on a quest to save her Black Seminole family.Shortly after seeing curious smoke over the jungle, Talula finds her world’s peaceful existence breaking apart.As the war of 1812 begins, changes are sweeping through Spanish Florida and are coming for ten-year-old Talula. Slave hunters are capturing both freedmen and runaways and taking them back to Georgia plantations. But when the slave hunters arrived in Spanish Florida, they found something completely unexpected—flourishing villages and an alliance between the people they hunted and Seminole Indians. And a war they had no idea about was brewing. Talula, a Black Seminole free girl, sets out to protect her family and her village and must convince others to help in the fight against the slave hunters. She is not just a girl on a horse, she is a warrior. Her story is one of survival and resilience.

Favorite Middle Grade Books of 2021

It's that time again. Every year I share my favorite middle grade reads of the previous year. How better to share than with a giveaway! That's right! One lucky winner will receive a copy of the six paperbacks in the image above, and a copy of my best-sellers. U.S. resident's only. ENTER However, find the image of this post on my Instagram account account and follow the instructions for an additional international winner. Check out the books:The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2019 Silver Medal Winner - Author Academy Awards 2019 Finalist - READER'S FAVORITE ★★★★★A BOY WITH AN ALIEN POWER.“The thing is, it wasn’t meteors that fell into the woods that night. It was alien spacecraft.”When UFOs crash into the fields next to his grandfather’s house, twelve-year-old Ben Archer becomes a cumbersome witness in the eyes of the government. Not only that, but Ben discovers he has been entrusted with an alien power, the significance of which could jeopardize human life on Earth.Government agents rush in to remove all evidence of spacecraft and extraterrestrials. The media are led to believe meteors fell in the area and they dub the event The Cosmic Fall. But when Ben's involvement comes in the spotlight, he is forced to flee with the sole survivor of the crash: an alien man called Mesmo.And while the destinies of boy and alien become inextricably linked, one question hovers above their unlikely friendship: why did the aliens come to Earth in the first place?The Alien Skill Series is a science-fiction adventure story for fans of Epic Zero, Shadow Jumper and The Proto Project. These middle-grade books have won the hearts of young and old alike, turning them into a best-selling, award-winning coming-of-age series filled with friendship, alien powers, hidden enemies and a thought-provoking glimpse into the way we treat our planet. Ideal books for boys age 10-14.In this Newbery Honor novel, New York Times bestselling author Rita Williams-Garcia tells the story of three sisters who travel to Oakland, California, in 1968 to meet the mother who abandoned them. A strong option for summer reading—take this book along on a family road trip or enjoy it at home.This moving, funny novel won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and the Coretta Scott King Award and was a National Book Award Finalist. Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern's story continues in P.S. Be Eleven and Gone Crazy in Alabama.Readers who enjoy Christopher Paul Curtis's The Watsons Go to Birmingham and Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming will find much to love in One Crazy Summer. Rita Williams-Garcia's books about Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern can also be read alongside nonfiction explorations of American history such as Jason Reynolds's and Ibram X. Kendi's books.In One Crazy Summer, eleven-year-old Delphine is like a mother to her two younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern. She's had to be, ever since their mother, Cecile, left them seven years ago for a radical new life in California. But when the sisters arrive from Brooklyn to spend the summer with their mother, Cecile is nothing like they imagined.While the girls hope to go to Disneyland and meet Tinker Bell, their mother sends them to a day camp run by the Black Panthers. Unexpectedly, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern learn much about their family, their country, and themselves during one truly crazy summer.This novel was the first featured title for Marley D’s Reading Party, launched after the success of #1000BlackGirlBooks. Maria Russo, in a New York Times list of "great kids' books with diverse characters," called it "witty and original."A New York Times bestselling seriesA USA TODAY bestselling seriesA California Young Reader Medal–winning seriesIn this riveting series opener, a telepathic girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world before the wrong person finds the answer first.Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.But Sophie still has secrets, and they’re buried deep in her memory for good reason: The answers are dangerous and in high-demand. What is her true identity, and why was she hidden among humans? The truth could mean life or death—and time is running out.Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a brilliant sci-fi romp with Cuban influence that poses this question: What would you do if you had the power to reach through time and space and retrieve anything you want, including your mother, who is no longer living (in this universe, anyway)? How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany's locker? When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared. Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken--including his dead mother--and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk. A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in his mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.Read the beloved classic that captures the powerful bond between man and man’s best friend. This edition also includes a special note to readers from Newbery Medal winner and Printz Honor winner Clare Vanderpool.Billy has long dreamt of owning not one, but two, dogs. So when he’s finally able to save up enough money for two pups to call his own—Old Dan and Little Ann—he’s ecstatic. It doesn’t matter that times are tough; together they’ll roam the hills of the Ozarks.Soon Billy and his hounds become the finest hunting team in the valley. Stories of their great achievements spread throughout the region, and the combination of Old Dan’s brawn, Little Ann’s brains, and Billy’s sheer will seems unbeatable. But tragedy awaits these determined hunters—now friends—and Billy learns that hope can grow out of despair, and that the seeds of the future can come from the scars of the past.New York Times bestseller!Artemis Fowl meets Men in Black in this exhilarating debut middle grade fantasy, the first in a trilogy filled with #blackgirlmagic. Perfect for fans of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, the Percy Jackson series, and Nevermoor.Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise, or when she got in trouble for standing up to bullies who said he was gone for good.So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton—if only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.Now she must compete for a spot against kids who’ve known about magic their whole lives. No matter how hard she tries, Amari can’t seem to escape their intense doubt and scrutiny—especially once her supernaturally enhanced talent is deemed “illegal.” With an evil magician threatening the supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she’s an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t stick it out and pass the tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.What a selection, right? The giveaway has already begun. You have until February 28th to enter. The winner will be announced on March 1st. Again, International residents, find the giveaway image on my ,Instagram or ,Facebook feed to find out how you may be able to win books also. ,Good Luck everyone! Blessings,LB

New Sheena Meyer Series Book

Sheena Meyer series, book 5 released this month. Woot woot!But did you see my social media video?I explained that book 6 was supposed to release immediately after. But you know what? I didn't count on life happening. Moving, illness, injuries, death in the family. I had to make the responsible decision to slow down. And it paid off. The sixth book of the series, Secret of Shadow and Light, is completed and with the editor.It won't be available before Christmas as I had planned, but it will be available shortly after. If you've started book 5, let me tell you what you can expect in book 6. As I've stated before, the two are really one book. Book 6 answers the questions that weren't answered in book 5: What's the shimmer?What's going on with Bradly?Can they stop Phoenix?Who is the new principal?How can the city of gleamers help?And it sets the stage for what's to come in book 7 and the high school series spinoff. I'm starting on book seven now, while everything is fresh in my mind. The cover designer will have the cover ready in March, so I'm going to put it out there and say that if all goes well, book 7 may be available first of May. Stay tuned. I appreciate my Sheena Meyer series fans so much. Thank you for all the kind reviews that are starting to come in for the new book. Blessings,LB

Secret of Shadow and Light Cover Reveal

Here is a first look at Sheena Meyer book 6, Secret of Shadow and Light. May Dawney Designs did such amazing work on this cover.Sheena Meyer series fans get ready!There is a secret that came into being during the age of gleamers. This secret has affected the lives of children all over the world. Contained in its mystery is not only the truth, but a warning. The day will come when that warning will determine the course of the gleamer. That day it is now…I’m so excited to share this news:Book 5 of the series, City of Gleamers, will be available for pre-order next week (on my birthday) and release the following week. Secret of Shadow and Light will be available shortly after.I’m releasing these books close together, because they are really two parts of one story. If I’d put it all in one novel, it would’ve been too large of a book. City of Gleamers is larger than any of the previous books of the series.Did you know that the more pages a book has, the higher distributors price the book? I don’t allow my books to be priced any higher than the base rate, because I want them to be as affordable as possible.Now, what’s important to know is that City of Gleamers ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger.Wait, calm down. LOL. I won’t leave you hanging. I’m including the first chapter of Secret of Shadow and Light at the end of City of Gleamers. Problem solved. These stories are filled with more of the hope and inspiration you're used to and a little more adventure. I hope you enjoy.Blessings,LB

Win a Free Middle Grade Fantasy Book!

Ten lucky winners will receive an autographed copy of L. B. Anne's #1 best-selling middle grade novel, The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars. The giveaway ends on August 31st. Enter HERE . Good Luck!“He’s still unconscious, but he’s breathing on his own and…” That’s the last thing I heard the doctor say. That lump moved deeper into my throat. My eyes drifted from the white sheet that covered my dad, to one of his legs lifted, and in a cast, up to his bandaged head, and the tubing in his nose.I gasped, seeing the cuts and scrapes on his face, and the swelling. But he was alive. A tear dropped from my eye and rolled down my cheek. My mom must have noticed, because I felt her hands on my shoulders.“He’s going to be okay,” she whispered.My eyes were still on his face, memorizing it, and comparing it to the once handsome features I could no longer see.A flash of light broke my focus. I looked from my dad’s face, up above him, to the ceiling. My knees buckled, and I stumbled to the side and back a couple of steps into the chair by the door. My mom caught me. “Breathe, Sheena, breathe. Maybe I should take her out.”The doctor asked me something, but I couldn’t nod or speak. I wanted to, but that lump in my throat grew and cut off my air supply. I wanted to point and yell, “Look!”My mom looked back at my dad, but she didn’t have the reaction I had. Why not? Why wasn’t she ready to run as she always claimed she would if she saw something unusual—a creature?Over my dad stood a being. I didn’t know what else to call it. It was white, but not like the color white. Kind of translucent and bluish, tall, and it glowed. I watched as it waved a huge hand over my dad’s head, passing right through it...Enter giveaway HERE . If you're ready to read and don't want to enter a contest, click the button below to purchase on Amazon.com. Author-signed copies are available for purchase via L. B. Anne's contact form or chat.

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A Dog Year Review

Hello, my name is Noemi and I am one of L. B. Anne's summer interns for her Author Apprentice Summer Internship Program. Today I am assigned the task of blogging about my latest read. Check it out.This week I read A Dog Year by Jon Katz. This book is about the experiences that Jon Katz had with the four different dogs he lived with within one year. Although each of the four dogs were uniquely loved, this book slightly zooms in on Devon—an anxious and fierce border collie. I would have to rate this book 3.5 stars—perhaps slightly more. It was extremely well written, with an equal mix of humor and sorrow. I was constantly laughing, from the extreme calmness of the two Labs, to the insane stubbornness of Devon, to all their painstakingly awkward interactions. Yet at the same time, this book was heartbreaking—from Devon’s fearful and anxious behavior to the vet visits with the two Labs (I was sobbing). However, there were a few things in this book that I wasn’t completely on board with. But in the end, I really did grow attached to these dogs.Here is more info about it: "Change loves me, defines and stalks me like a laser-guided smart bomb. It comes at me in all forms, suddenly and with enormous impact, from making shifts in work to having and raising a kid to buying a cabin on a distant mountaintop. Sometimes, change comes on four legs.” In his popular and widely praised Running to the Mountain, Jon Katz wrote of the strength and support he found in the massive forms of his two yellow Labrador retrievers, Julius and Stanley. When the Labs were six and seven, a breeder who’d read his book contacted Katz to say she had a dog that was meant for him—a two-year-old border collie named Devon, well-bred but high-strung and homeless. Katz already had a full canine complement, but instinct overruled reason, and soon thereafter he brought Devon home.A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me is the story of how Devon and Jon—and Julius and Stanley—came to terms with each other. It shows how a man discovered a lot about himself through one dog (and then another) whose temperament seemed as different from his own as day is from night. It is a story of trust and understanding, of life and death, of continuity and change. It is by turns insightful, hilarious, and deeply moving.Available where books are sold. Thanks for allowing me to enter your world for a moment.See you next time.L. B.'s favorite intern (don't tell the others),Noemi R.

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