L.B. Anne's Blog, page 5

SHEENA MEYER COVER REVEAL

The wait is over! I'm so excited to reveal the cover of Sheena Meyer book five, City of Gleamers!My cover designer bailed on me, guys!No, that's not fair. Allow me to explain what happened here.A new illustrator created this cover. Well, not exactly new. She created the covers for my Everfall series, Brave New World Series, and a couple of my young adult series. The illustrator I usually use for the Sheena Meyer series was booked. Imagine my shock. For a full fifteen seconds, I sat with my mouth open. I expected a "I've got you, girl!" But he said there was no room to add anything else to his schedule. In my mind, I was like, Hey, what's going on here. I give you regular business. Make time for me. I'm so happy this illustrator could step in. The cover scene is from one of Sheena's dreams and we know how her dreams can be. It's of a battle taking place in the spiritual realm and her archangel saving her. That's all I'll say about that for now.You guys have been so patient with me. The book should've been available a month ago, but I rewrote a whole key chapter (okay, more than one) and felt it necessary to blow something up.‍♀️ It slowed my writing process down a bit, but believe me, it was necessary. I put so much pressure on myself, but I truly want you guys to enjoy this fifth book. Look out for City of Gleamers on pre-order soon. I'm still trying to decide if I will release book six at the same time. But I'll let you in on the title: Secret of Shadow and LightRelease date coming soon.Blessings,LB

New Release Middle Grade Fantasy

Yay! It's release day! I'm so excited to share The Way to Storey with you!Middle grade fantasy lovers will enjoy this fast-paced adventure of hope. Who wouldn't want to go on a journey to a mythical kingdom--via a book I mean. Check out Louella's aesthetics board. It was so much fun to put together. I know you can't take your eyes off the image on the bottom left. Yes, that's a Florida panther and they play a role in the book.Eleven-year-old Luella has a life she loves. She’s homeschooled and lives on a swamp. But there is a reason she’s sheltered away from everything.There is a place called Storey. Some say it’s just a myth. . . But it is where Luella’s grandfather says they are from. His instructions are for her to go there if anything ever happens to him.“Follow the birds,” he said. But the birds disappeared and no one could explain why.A mysterious light from her grandfather’s drawer leads Luella on a journey across the swamps of Southern Florida to find those like her. Along the way, she makes new friends, or are they enemies? And why is someone tracking her?Luella is led down a path of discovery, exploring questions of identity, belonging, and finding home. Get your copy here .Before you ask, I'm am considering making this a series due to the response I'm already receiving. I'll keep you posted.Blessings,LB

#middlgradebook #newmiddlegrade #fantasybook

New Middle Grade Fantasy Book

"I want Storey to exist as much as I want Wakanda to exist!" ARC ReaderMy advanced reader team is hyping me up about this book. LOL! I'm not kidding. The reviews that are coming in are so amazing. The main thing I'm hearing is that this needs to be a series. I can't make any promises but I will certainly consider it.The way to Storey releases on April 22nd. I hadn't planned on writing this book, but it came to me while I was working on another project. So I paused on that one and wrote The Way to Storey. The story takes place on a swamp in Florida where the main character, Lou, is raised by her grandfather. She is unlike any child ever born because she is said to come from a mythical place called Storey.Lou is eleven years old and a little naive, as she's been hidden away. But she can do things others can't imagine and when her grandfather is kidnapped she must remember what he told her. "Follow the birds." Lou embarks on an adventure to find her way to Storey and those like her.This is an image of Lou, short for Luella, that I made with an app that allows you to make characters. I wish it would've allowed me to take the eyelashes off. LOL!What's Lou like? -She's homeschooled-Runs barefoot over swampland-Talks to wildlife-Doesn't comb her hair-Has a bizarre connection to nature-Wonders why people are afraid of her.Have I piqued your interest yet? If so, you can preorder your ebook copy >> HERE << or wait for the paperback which is usually available a week before the actual launch date. For readers ages 8-12.Thanks in advance for checking it out. Blessings,LB#middlegradebooks #newmiddlegrade #middlegradefantasy

New Middle Grade Book Release

It's here! Book two of the Everall Series, If I fail Is now available.Blurb:Aria died in 1982, but she was revived. An angel transported her back in time so she could learn a valuable lesson. In doing so, she came back to the present just in time to stop Brandon from doing the unthinkable. Now they’ve been sent back to 1982 together, and must figure out why their lives are intertwined. The answers to their questions are tied up in seven letters Aria wrote to those who hurt her. The more Brandon learns of Aria’s past, the more he finds out about himself. They have a mission, and what they discover about Stoneburg Academy is unnerving. Why is it called “the suicide school”? What happens if they fail?The Everfall series is a faith-based series for readers ages 12 to 14. These books tackle difficult topics such as depression and suicidal thoughts among our youth--but in the form of a fantasy story.It's been brought to my attention that youth groups and organizations are using this series as a way of getting kids to discuss mental health and what they may be going through or see taking place at school.That warms my heart. It's why I wrote on such a difficult topic for younger readers. Some kids are experiencing these feelings as early as eleven years old, as I did. This series isn't for everyone. I didn't mean it to be. But I wanted it available for those who needed it. Aria goes back in time to change the decisions she made at thirteen and saves her life and future. In book two, many lives are saved.So what am I saying here? You are not alone. IAMARIA.org is a site I created for teens or parents of youth dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts. It's in its early stages, but as it grows I pray it will be an amazing resource for those in need.Check out the series HERE.Blessings,LB

#teendepression #teensuicide #newmiddlegradebook #christianfiction #iamariaorg #teenmentalhealth #teenbullying

New Diverse Historical Middle Grade Book Series

We all know there was an underground railroad that ran north, but not many children know about slaves fleeing south to Spanish Florida. Five Things About Dragonflies, the first book of the Children of the Glades series, releases this summer. Readers will get a glimpse into the life of a young warrior: A Black Seminole, or Seminole Maroon, named Talula. Talula is the ten year old daughter of a runaway slave and Seminole Indian. This is the first I've talked about this series. I think it's the most difficult novel I've written. I'm not a historian, but the information is incredibly interesting, especially because I am part Creek Indian. Seminole's were made up of several tribes of Indians, including Creeks.Mixing history into an adventure story isn't easy. But it's not the hardest part. That would be not letting my emotions get the best of me. There is a lot I cannot put in books for children, but I will do my best to tell an authentic story of Black Seminoles and Seminole Indians of the 1800s.Helpful books: The Black Seminoles, History of a Freedom-seeking People by Kenneth W. PorterBlack Indians, A Hidden Heritage, by William Loren KatzWhat We Have Endured, A Novel of the Seminole Wars, by John & Mary Lou Missal and Willie JohnsHelpful research:Dr. Rosalyn Howard, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Howard is also a member of a public anthropology research project entitled “Looking for Angola” currently compiling archaeological, cultural, and archival evidence of an early 19th century Florida maroon community, formerly located near present-day Sarasota, Florida, which has a direct connection to Red Bays. As we get closer to the launch date, I'll reveal more about the story, characters, and the book cover of Five Things About Dragonflies. Actually, the first two covers of the series are already illustrated. I'm so excited to share this new project with you.Blessings,LB

#blackseminoles #chlidrenshistoricalbooks #diversebooks

New Diverse Historical Middle Grade Series

We all know there was an underground railroad that ran north, but not many children know about slaves fleeing south to Spanish Florida. Five Things About Dragonflies, the first book of the Children of the Glades series, releases this summer. Readers will get a glimpse into the life of a young warrior: A Black Seminole, or Seminole Maroon, named Talula. Talula is the ten year old daughter of a runaway slave and Seminole Indian. This is the first I've talked about this series. I think it's the most difficult novel I've written. I'm not a historian, but the information is incredibly interesting, especially because I am part Creek Indian. Seminole's were made up of several tribes of Indians, including Creeks.Mixing history into an adventure story isn't easy. But it's not the hardest part. That would be not letting my emotions get the best of me. There is a lot I cannot put in books for children, but I will do my best to tell an authentic story of Black Seminoles and Seminole Indians of the 1800s.Helpful books: The Black Seminoles, History of a Freedom-seeking People by Kenneth W. PorterBlack Indians, A Hidden Heritage, by William Loren KatzWhat We Have Endured, A Novel of the Seminole Wars, by John & Mary Lou Missal and Willie JohnsHelpful research:Dr. Rosalyn Howard, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Howard is also a member of a public anthropology research project entitled “Looking for Angola” currently compiling archaeological, cultural, and archival evidence of an early 19th century Florida maroon community, formerly located near present-day Sarasota, Florida, which has a direct connection to Red Bays. As we get closer to the launch date, I'll reveal more about the story, characters, and the book cover of Five Things About Dragonflies. Actually, the first two covers of the series are already illustrated. I'm so excited to share this new project with you.Blessings,LB

#blackseminoles #chlidrenshistoricalbooks #diversebooks

Favorite Middle Grade Books of 2020

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 Check out the books:Winner of the Asian / Pacific American Award for Children's Literature!* "Many readers will recognize themselves or their neighbors in these pages." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewMia Tang has a lot of secrets.Number 1: She lives in a motel, not a big house. Every day, while her immigrant parents clean the rooms, ten-year-old Mia manages the front desk of the Calivista Motel and tends to its guests.Number 2: Her parents hide immigrants. And if the mean motel owner, Mr. Yao, finds out they've been letting them stay in the empty rooms for free, the Tangs will be doomed.Number 3: She wants to be a writer. But how can she when her mom thinks she should stick to math because English is not her first language?It will take all of Mia's courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she be able to hold on to her job, help the immigrants and guests, escape Mr. Yao, and go for her dreams?Kids who love video games will love this first installment of the new 5-book series about 12-year old Jesse Rigsby and the wild adventures he encounters inside different video games.Age Level: 8-12 Grade Level: 3rd and upJesse Rigsby hates video games—and for good reason. You see, a video game character is trying to kill him. After getting sucked in the new game Full Blast with his friend Eric, Jesse starts to see the appeal of vaporizing man-size praying mantis while cruising around by jet pack. But pretty soon, a mysterious figure begins following Eric and Jesse, and they discover they can't leave the game. If they don't figure out what's going on fast, they'll be trapped for good!From Robert Beatty, the author of the award-winning Serafina books, comes a thrilling new #1 New York Times bestselling series for adults and young readers (8+). Set in 1900 in the Great Smoky Mountains, it's the story of an orphaned girl--gentle of heart, but brimming with the ancient forest powers of her people--who must struggle to survive in a changing world. Filled with the history, mystery, and magic of the Great Smoky Mountains, Kirkus Reviews describes WILLA OF THE WOOD as "A moving, atmospheric journey of hope." Move without a sound. Steal without a trace.To Willa, a young night-spirit, humans are the murderers of trees. She's been taught to despise them and steal from them. She's her clan's best thief, creeping into the log cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and taking what they won't miss. It's dangerous work, but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day-folk world, she calls upon the old powers of her beloved grandmother, and the unbreakable bonds of her forest allies, to survive. Only then does she begin to discover the shocking truth: that not all of her human enemies are the same, and that the foundations of her own Faeran society are crumbling. What do you do when you realize that the society you were born and raised in is rife with evil? Do you raise your voice? Do you stand up against it?As forces of unfathomable destruction attack her forest home, Willa must decide who she truly is--facing deadly force with warm compassion, sinister corruption with trusted alliance, and finding a home for her longing heart."The right story at the right time. . . . It’s not just a narrative; it’s an experience. It’s the novel we’ve been waiting for." —The New York TimesA boy tries to steer a safe path through the projects in Harlem in the wake of his brother’s death in this outstanding debut novel that celebrates community and creativity. Winner of the Coretta Scott King John Steptoe Award for New Talent and soon to be a major motion picture directed by Michael B. Jordan!It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward.His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world. David Barclay Moore paints a powerful portrait of a boy teetering on the edge—of adolescence, of grief, of violence—and shows how Lolly’s inventive spirit helps him build a life with firm foundations and open doors.A lost dog, a hidden time tunnel and a secret lake. A page-turning time travel adventure for children aged 8-11. Now enjoyed by thousands of young readers!When Stella and her younger brother, Tom, move to their new London home, they become mystified by the disappearances of Harry, their elderly neighbour’s small dog. Where does he go? And why does he keep reappearing wet-through?Their quest to solve the riddle over the summer holidays leads to a boat buried under a grassy mound, and a tunnel that takes them to a secret lake.Who is the boy rowing towards them who looks so terrified? And whose are those children’s voices carried on the wind from beyond the woods?Stella and Tom soon discover that they have travelled back in time to their home and its gardens almost 100 years earlier. Here they make both friends and enemies, and uncover startling connections between the past and present.A modern children's classicThe Secret Lake has been described by readers as a modern Tom's Midnight Garden and compared in atmosphere with The Secret Garden and the Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew mystery adventure stories. Its page-turning plot, with its many twists and turns, makes it a firm favourite with both boys and girls.Karen Inglis describes it as, a time travel mystery adventure with modern twists - the kind of story that I loved to read as a child, but brought right up to date.An entertaining story that celebrates friendship, diversity, environmental awareness, and anti-racism. This engaging, illustrated, middle grade chapter book is a great addition to classroom and homeschool libraries and should appeal to fans of Ramona Quimby, Jada Jones, Judy Moody, and Junie B. Jones.There is no such thing as Big Foot! Or is there…Sophie Washington and her classmates are on their way to Camp Glowing Spring for a class retreat. It’ll be two full days of swimming, eating s’mores around a campfire, tug-of-war, archery, and more! Sophie’s been looking forward to the trip all school year and can’t wait to spend extra time with her friends. It will also be great to get away from her bratty younger brother, Cole, and his constant stories about Big Foot. If Cole warns her about what to do if she sees the hairy ape man on the retreat one more time, she’ll put in ear plugs. Everybody knows Big Foot is a hoax!Once the kids arrive at the retreat site things are as exciting as Sophie imagined. She has fun exploring nature with her besties, Chloe, Valentina, Toby, Nathan, and Mariama, and meeting new friends too. Then the kids see a giant footprint during a nature hike in the woods and the adventure really begins!The giveaway has already begun. You have until February 20th to enter. The winner will be announced on February 27th. International residents, find the giveaway image on my ,Instagram to find out how you may be able to win books also. ,Good Luck everyone!Blessings,LB

Books That Teach Kids About Martin Luther King Jr.

This Friday we're celebrating the vision and legacy of a remarkable man. It's important that our children understand who Dr. Martin Luther King was, what he stood for, and what he did for our nation. I love that there are books available--from chapter books to graphic novels--to help educate our youth. Let The Children March Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration2019I couldn't play on the same playground as the white kids. I couldn't go to their schools. I couldn't drink from their water fountains. There were so many things I couldn't do.In 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, thousands of African American children volunteered to march for their civil rights after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. They protested the laws that kept black people separate from white people. Facing fear, hate, and danger, these children used their voices to change the world. Frank Morrison's emotive oil-on-canvas paintings bring this historical event to life, while Monica Clark-Robinson's moving and poetic words document this remarkable time. Who was Martin Luther King, Jr? The story of one of the most influential civil rights activist of our time. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was only 25 when he helped organize the Montgomery Bus Boycott and was soon organizing black people across the country in support of the right to vote, desegregation, and other basic civil rights. Maintaining nonviolent and peaceful tactics even when his life was threatened, King was also an advocate for the poor and spoke out against racial and economic injustice until his death—from an assassin's bullet—in 1968. With clearly written text that explains this tumultuous time in history and 80 black-and-white illustrations, this Who Was? celebrates the vision and the legacy of a remarkable man.Teens: March Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.Discover the inside story of the Civil Rights Movement through the eyes of one of its most iconic figures, Congressman John Lewis. March is the award-winning, #1 bestselling graphic novel trilogy recounting his life in the movement, co-written with Andrew Aydin and drawn by Nate Powell. This commemorative set contains all three volumes of March in a beautiful slipcase.#1 New York Times and Washington Post BestsellerFirst graphic novel to receive a Robert F. Kennedy Book AwardWinner of the Eisner AwardA Coretta Scott King Honor BookOne of YALSA's Outstanding Books for the College BoundOne of Reader's Digest's Graphic Novels Every Grown-Up Should Read Dear Martin "Powerful, wrenching.” –JOHN GREEN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Turtles All the Way Down"Raw and gripping." –JASON REYNOLDS, New York Times bestselling coauthor of All American BoysJustyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can't escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates.Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them. Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it's Justyce who is under attack.These are just a few books you can check out. But there are many more. Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday is Friday, and I hope you'll take a moment to reflect on what his life's mission has meant to our nation. Thank you for stopping by.Blessings,LB

2020 Instagram Top 9 - L. B. Anne

If you're not following me over there on Instagram, you're missing all the fun. Follow me @authorlbanne. I think "You need books? I got you!" was my most popular video ever. Use the topnine.co site to create your own.

In spite of everything that has happened in 2020, I choose to think positive about 2021. I'm excited for what the new year will bring.

As the New Year dawns, I hope it is filled with the promises of a brighter tomorrow for you and yours. Happy New Year!

Blessings,
LB

#top9 #newyear

Release Day: Sheena Meyer Book 4

It's release day! The Girl Who Became A warrior is now available. I'm super excited for Sheena Meyer fans to read it. At the same time, I'm super nervous and chewing my nails off. LOL. But don't worry about me. I'm okay. I'm always like this on release day, and sometimes up until the first reviews are posted. 

It means the world to me that I have a Sheena Meyer tribe, and I hope you enjoy this fourth book of the series. Have a look at the opening scene:

Can someone pinch me, so I know I’m not dreaming? If my life seems crazy to you, imagine how it looks from my end of things. I should change my Instagram profile to: 

Sheena Meyer

🌟Eighth grader

🌟No one’s like me, I’m a special edition

🌟Gleamer, the last type-one 

🌟I held a power I didn’t know I had to kill a giant glob of evil. 

No DM’s

#mayyourvisionbetrue

Okay, that’s too much for a profile, and sounds nuts. But could you see it? My feed filled with photos of me and my classmates in that snow-covered field, ready for battle and… I know I don’t have to tell you the story all over again. 

So what’s my status now, you ask? Well, nothing’s different. I mean, I don’t feel any different after saving the world. I’m still the pancake loving, 70s and 80s satellite music station listening, Stevie Nicks’ number one fan, 3A-curl-pattern-hair-having, African American teen I’ve always been. 

All right, that’s not entirely true. When I’m around certain people, I feel something. Kind of like when your foot is falling asleep. But it’s over my entire body and not as strong. It expands out from my chest, through to my fingers, and down to my toes. But you know what? It’s probably just allergies. 

Find out what happens next here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N3ZZNLX

Blessings,

LB