L.B. Anne's Blog, page 6
November 25, 2020
December Book Release: Sheena Meyer Book 4
It's been a great year of book releases for middle grade readers. I released eight books this year. Insert mind blown emoji. LOL. I have to say, it does my heart good to find so many readers enjoy my series. The most popular is the Sheena Meyer series, and the fourth book releases on December 11th.
I couldn't believe how many emails I received from Sheena Meyer fans asking that I not end the series. I laughed if off at first, but the emails kept coming, and I gave in. Readers can expect three to four more books, including The Girl Who Became A Warrior.
Now, the common question is, "Will there be a paperback version?"
Yes, there will. Amazon does not allow authors to place paperbacks on pre-order. That's why you only see the ebook available. However, I am trying to have the paperback available a week earlier than the release date so you can have it by delivered before Christmas. I'll expect a fist bump for that when you see me.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about The Girl Who Became A Warrior. I had to slow down the pace so readers could get to know the new characters and to set the background for things to come. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as the first three books.
A bit of interesting information is the appeareance of Sheena's cousin Aria. Aria is the main character of the
Everfall series
. I hope readers will catch that it takes place in the same universe ( You know, like Marvel universe. Hee hee).
I know you want more. Let me see... What else can I tell you without giving away the plot?
The Girl Who Became a Warrior starts off right where The Girl Who Captured the Sun ends. Sheena's group of friends is evolving, as is she. And... There is a famous line from Star Wars that applies to this story. I'll just leave that right there. You'll get it once you read the book.
There is a scene in the book where Sheena's mom (Belinda) walks in while Sheena is listening to music. She asks what it is. Special thanks to Anthony Nelson of Anthony Nelson and The Overcomers for allowing the use of the title of his song in the book.
Friends, thank you for reading my books. Really. Thank you for getting excited about them, for sharing them with friends, and for leaving reviews. I am so thankful for you all. You can check out The Girl Who Became A Warrior here .
Blessings.
LB
Friends, there was never supposed to be a fourth book. I've placed an introduction at the beginning of The Girl Who Became A Warrior explaining that. So what happened? You guys happened. LOL.
I couldn't believe how many emails I received from Sheena Meyer fans asking that I not end the series. I laughed if off at first, but the emails kept coming, and I gave in. Readers can expect three to four more books, including The Girl Who Became A Warrior.
Now, the common question is, "Will there be a paperback version?" Yes, there will. Amazon does not allow authors to place paperbacks on pre-order. That's why you only see the ebook available. However, I am trying to have the paperback available a week earlier than the release date so you can have it by delivered before Christmas. I'll expect a fist bump for that when you see me.
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about The Girl Who Became A Warrior. I had to slow down the pace so readers could get to know the new characters and to set the background for things to come. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as the first three books.
A bit of interesting information is the appeareance of Sheena's cousin Aria. Aria is the main character of the
Everfall series
. I hope readers will catch that it takes place in the same universe ( You know, like Marvel universe. Hee hee).I know you want more. Let me see... What else can I tell you without giving away the plot?
The Girl Who Became a Warrior starts off right where The Girl Who Captured the Sun ends. Sheena's group of friends is evolving, as is she. And... There is a famous line from Star Wars that applies to this story. I'll just leave that right there. You'll get it once you read the book.
There is a scene in the book where Sheena's mom (Belinda) walks in while Sheena is listening to music. She asks what it is. Special thanks to Anthony Nelson of Anthony Nelson and The Overcomers for allowing the use of the title of his song in the book.
Friends, thank you for reading my books. Really. Thank you for getting excited about them, for sharing them with friends, and for leaving reviews. I am so thankful for you all. You can check out The Girl Who Became A Warrior here .
Blessings.
LB
#newrelease #middlegradebooks #newmiddlegradebook #chapterbook
November 8, 2020
Diverse Christmas Books
As far as I'm concerned, November means Christmas movies, music, and books! I know it's early in November, but this year, I'm here for it. My tree is going up immediately.
I write books dedicated to diversity, so I thought it would be cool to provide readers with a list of diverse middle grade Christmas books. But there was a problem...
Where the heck are they? Really. I could only find a few, and one of them is mine. 
No. Seriously. I'm as shocked as you are. See for yourself. Google it. You'll get middle grade Christmas books, diverse books, and children's diverse Christmas books. But no middle grade diverse Christmas books. Did I just confuse you?
Somebody tell me what's happening. Do readers ages 8-13 not like Christmas chapter books with diverse characters? Do authors not want to write them? I really want to know. Don't get me wrong, there are so many wonderful Christmas books out there that are not diverse. I could tell you about them, but those you don't have to search high and low to find. And there are tons of blog posts about them.
I've been researching this for a few months, as I knew I would be releasing my own middle-grade Christmas story this winter. Many of the books listed as diverse middle grade Christmas books had nothing to do with Christmas but were books you'd enjoy reading during Christmas. Others either weren't diverse or didn't have a diverse main character---still great novels though, like The Girl Who saved Christmas. It's an amazing story, but not diverse.Come through, Pinterest! That was my thought, but I found that many of the blog posts there didn't include diverse books in their list of holiday books. The horror! The few that did were picture books, not chapter books.
So here's what I found:
An early chapter book. A few years older than the others.
Ellray Jakes
The small kid with big problems returns in the seventh book of this beloved series!
It’s almost Christmas and school is going great for EllRay. He’s “blending in” just the way he likes. So when his father tells him he should be proud to be part of the African-American “community,” EllRay isn’t so sure he wants to call attention to his differences. After all, he’s only one of two boys in his class with brown skin. And then, totally by accident, he insults the other boy—one of his best friends—and all at once EllRay’s back to being the center of attention. And not exactly for good reasons.
With Sally Warner’s trademark sense of humor and spot-on dialogue, EllRay confronts questions about race and how it impacts both himself and everyone around him. ,,Get it here.
Secret Santa
Christmas is three weeks away and a mysterious “Santa” has been mailing presents to sixth grader Sophie Washington in this adorable, illustrated chapter book for middle grade readers.
There is no secret Santa gift exchange going on at her school, so she can’t imagine who it could be. Sophie’s best friends, Chloe, Valentina, and Mariama guess the gift giver is either Nathan Jones or Toby Johnson, two boys in Sophie’s class who have liked her in the past, but she’s not so sure. Sophie uncovers clues to find her secret Santa and the final reveal is bigger than any package she’s opened on Christmas morning. It’s a holiday surprise she’ll never forget! ,,Get it here.
Snicker's Wish
What happens when you combine a birthday wish with a Christmas wish? Only the first child born on Christmas day knows.
‘Tis the season to be jolly…until eleven year old Jared arrives at home and finds his apartment door open. How do you find the Christmas spirit when your whole world turns upside down and your sister is missing?
On a cold winter’s morning, through the snow covered streets of Crystal City, Jared makes his way to Mckinney Park. He is given a chance at something remarkable, because of one little girl’s wish.
A heartwarming Christmas story of the kindness of strangers, hope, and miracles. Get it here .
The Stars Beneath Our Feet.
A 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.
,,Get it here.
I'm really saddened by the lack of diversity in middle grade Christmas stories. Oh well, at least I wrote one for ya, right? If you know of any that were written in the last four years, please tell me, so I can add them to my list.
Blessings,
LB
I write books dedicated to diversity, so I thought it would be cool to provide readers with a list of diverse middle grade Christmas books. But there was a problem...
Where the heck are they? Really. I could only find a few, and one of them is mine. No. Seriously. I'm as shocked as you are. See for yourself. Google it. You'll get middle grade Christmas books, diverse books, and children's diverse Christmas books. But no middle grade diverse Christmas books. Did I just confuse you?Somebody tell me what's happening. Do readers ages 8-13 not like Christmas chapter books with diverse characters? Do authors not want to write them? I really want to know. Don't get me wrong, there are so many wonderful Christmas books out there that are not diverse. I could tell you about them, but those you don't have to search high and low to find. And there are tons of blog posts about them. I've been researching this for a few months, as I knew I would be releasing my own middle-grade Christmas story this winter. Many of the books listed as diverse middle grade Christmas books had nothing to do with Christmas but were books you'd enjoy reading during Christmas. Others either weren't diverse or didn't have a diverse main character---still great novels though, like The Girl Who saved Christmas. It's an amazing story, but not diverse.Come through, Pinterest! That was my thought, but I found that many of the blog posts there didn't include diverse books in their list of holiday books. The horror! The few that did were picture books, not chapter books.
So here's what I found:
An early chapter book. A few years older than the others.Ellray Jakes
The small kid with big problems returns in the seventh book of this beloved series!
It’s almost Christmas and school is going great for EllRay. He’s “blending in” just the way he likes. So when his father tells him he should be proud to be part of the African-American “community,” EllRay isn’t so sure he wants to call attention to his differences. After all, he’s only one of two boys in his class with brown skin. And then, totally by accident, he insults the other boy—one of his best friends—and all at once EllRay’s back to being the center of attention. And not exactly for good reasons.
With Sally Warner’s trademark sense of humor and spot-on dialogue, EllRay confronts questions about race and how it impacts both himself and everyone around him. ,,Get it here.
Secret Santa
Christmas is three weeks away and a mysterious “Santa” has been mailing presents to sixth grader Sophie Washington in this adorable, illustrated chapter book for middle grade readers.
There is no secret Santa gift exchange going on at her school, so she can’t imagine who it could be. Sophie’s best friends, Chloe, Valentina, and Mariama guess the gift giver is either Nathan Jones or Toby Johnson, two boys in Sophie’s class who have liked her in the past, but she’s not so sure. Sophie uncovers clues to find her secret Santa and the final reveal is bigger than any package she’s opened on Christmas morning. It’s a holiday surprise she’ll never forget! ,,Get it here.
Snicker's Wish
What happens when you combine a birthday wish with a Christmas wish? Only the first child born on Christmas day knows.
‘Tis the season to be jolly…until eleven year old Jared arrives at home and finds his apartment door open. How do you find the Christmas spirit when your whole world turns upside down and your sister is missing?
On a cold winter’s morning, through the snow covered streets of Crystal City, Jared makes his way to Mckinney Park. He is given a chance at something remarkable, because of one little girl’s wish.
A heartwarming Christmas story of the kindness of strangers, hope, and miracles. Get it here .
The Stars Beneath Our Feet.
A 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.
,,Get it here.
I'm really saddened by the lack of diversity in middle grade Christmas stories. Oh well, at least I wrote one for ya, right? If you know of any that were written in the last four years, please tell me, so I can add them to my list.
Blessings,
LB
#diversechristmasbooks #childrenschristmasbooks #christmaschapterbooks #diversemiddlegradechristmasbooks
October 5, 2020
Spooky and Not So Spooky Children's Books
With the arrival of the spookiest month of the year, some middle graders want to read scary books. You don't have to cringe at the thought of your child reading spooky stories. I prefer books that are supposed to be scary but are humorous. But this is not about me, right? So I've added a little of both. Take a look at my picks. 
Halloween is my least favorite holiday. That's right, I said it. I pretty much ignore it. I turn my porch light off just in case a kid decides to stop by the only house on the street without Halloween decorations. Ha Ha! I sound like a real Halloween scrooge. Bah humbug!
So why am I writing about eerie books? Because I know there are kids who like to read them. Growing up in a Christian household, my mom wasn't having it. There were no horror stories in our house. Now that I think about it, I don't think my children read any either. Thank goodness for school, right? You can count on your teacher to freak you out with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Mine did. I enjoyed it, but whew, I was terrified too.
Now, back to my young readers who enjoy tales that give them chills and cause them to have to sleep with the lights on. I've listed a few books I've actually read myself, and I don't read scary books. I'm like a toddler and will have nightmares (Don't judge me. LOL).
I had the worst time finding middle grade books that weren't overly spooky. Note that all the books may not be appropriate for bedtime, though. Every child is different, so parents should gauge whether the book is too scary for their child.
This one was actually part of my September giveaway. It's not scary in a witches and ghouls way but in an alien invasion way. It was creepy and funny.
The Prepper family is prepared for the end of the world. Or, at the very least, the end of toilet paper.
Doomy Prepper knows the rules. Never trade sandwiches with Mikey Fuller. He always has tuna fish. Don’t stare at Mrs. Nebula’s mole. You’ll turn into stone. And never, ever talk about the lights.
When 11-year-old Doomy notices the mysterious lights above his town have changed color, he makes the mistake of telling his best friend, Peter. Now three other kids want to tag along and solve the mystery, too. The group is convinced the lights are the reason their classmates have all started disappearing. As soon as their teacher vanishes and a nasty substitute named Ms. Martian steps in, Doomy is sure something extraterrestrial is taking place.
A surprise field trip orchestrated by Ms. Martian has Doomy and his friends on an adventure they’ll never forget. Or survive. At least not without the help of some Prepper family tricks. And, of course, toilet paper. Check it out .
Hey, I couldn't make this list without mentioning one of mine. It's the least scary and more of a humorous school life adventure.
Lolo and Winkle have zombie fever!
A movie ignites a notion in Winkle that the zombie apocalypse is coming. Lolo, again, finds herself caught in the middle of one of Winkle's big ideas as he assembles a diverse group of uncanny friends to prepare for the zombie takeover.
Lolo believes it's all in fun until the school bully says she's seen a zombie and demands membership in the club. They prepare for the apocalypse with drills on the beach, martial arts training, and secret meetings.
There's only one problem: nothing you do can prepare you for coming face to face with a real zombie! Check it out!
Guys, this was so good, but it really freaked me out. Okay, yes, I'm a wuss when it comes to scary stuff, but some of the scenes... The author is amazing. I'm just saying, the descriptions can get pretty frightening. Don't say I didn't warn you.
"Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."
Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and opulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways.
But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.
Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity. Check it out!
The illustrations alone make this book so enjoyable.
At night, this mischievous bunch peeks out from under your bed. When you hear that creak . . . creak . . . THE CREAKERS are there! Discover a hilarious and eerie middle-grade story by a UK star.
What would you do if you woke up to a world with no grown-ups?
When all the parents in the world disappear, most kids think this is amazing! They can finally run wild and eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But Lucy Dungston wants to get her mom back, especially because her dad disappeared not long ago. Lucy wants the truth, and she’s convinced that the creaking sounds that come from under her bed can lead her to it.
Creak . . . creak . . .
That’s when Lucy meets the Creakers, a bunch of sticky, smelly creatures who live under children’s beds. This troublesome bunch has taken all the grown-ups to an upside-down world called the Woleb. Lucy must act fast if she wants to rescue the grown-ups, because adults who stay in the Woleb too long start becoming Creakers! Check it out!
This one is part of a series. It's a great book for fans of Harry Potter.
Winner of the 2019 Children's Literary Classics Award for Middle Grade General
Winner of the 2019 Book Excellence Award for Children's Fiction
There is no magic in the village of Larkmoor. None, except for the spark that runs through twelve-year-old Fable’s veins. Living under the roof of her over-protective aunt, her powers are kept secret, hidden inside the walls of their home.
But not everything is as boring as it seems in that cozy cottage. When a strange book lands in Fable’s lap and her cousin disappears into its pages, she follows, hurtling into an enchanted forest far from the rolling hills of her home. This is a land filled with strange people, magical creatures, and more danger than Fable has ever dreamed of.
She must battle for not only a way home, but for the lives of those she loves most. With the help of her peculiar new friends, Fable must learn to trust in herself or risk losing her cousin forever. Can she save him before it’s too late? ,,Check it out!
Ha Ha! Casper. Now that's one I can handle.
I once read that children need to read fairytales because they need to know that dragons can be killed. Scary stories teach them that ghosts and witches can be conquered, as long as you give them a book where good wins. But what about the pages in between? Yeah, you get a delightful ending, but the middle sticks with you and haunts you in your sleep. Just a thought from a scaredy-cat. LOL
Blessings.
LB
Halloween is my least favorite holiday. That's right, I said it. I pretty much ignore it. I turn my porch light off just in case a kid decides to stop by the only house on the street without Halloween decorations. Ha Ha! I sound like a real Halloween scrooge. Bah humbug!So why am I writing about eerie books? Because I know there are kids who like to read them. Growing up in a Christian household, my mom wasn't having it. There were no horror stories in our house. Now that I think about it, I don't think my children read any either. Thank goodness for school, right? You can count on your teacher to freak you out with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Mine did. I enjoyed it, but whew, I was terrified too.
Now, back to my young readers who enjoy tales that give them chills and cause them to have to sleep with the lights on. I've listed a few books I've actually read myself, and I don't read scary books. I'm like a toddler and will have nightmares (Don't judge me. LOL).
I had the worst time finding middle grade books that weren't overly spooky. Note that all the books may not be appropriate for bedtime, though. Every child is different, so parents should gauge whether the book is too scary for their child.
This one was actually part of my September giveaway. It's not scary in a witches and ghouls way but in an alien invasion way. It was creepy and funny.The Prepper family is prepared for the end of the world. Or, at the very least, the end of toilet paper.
Doomy Prepper knows the rules. Never trade sandwiches with Mikey Fuller. He always has tuna fish. Don’t stare at Mrs. Nebula’s mole. You’ll turn into stone. And never, ever talk about the lights.
When 11-year-old Doomy notices the mysterious lights above his town have changed color, he makes the mistake of telling his best friend, Peter. Now three other kids want to tag along and solve the mystery, too. The group is convinced the lights are the reason their classmates have all started disappearing. As soon as their teacher vanishes and a nasty substitute named Ms. Martian steps in, Doomy is sure something extraterrestrial is taking place.
A surprise field trip orchestrated by Ms. Martian has Doomy and his friends on an adventure they’ll never forget. Or survive. At least not without the help of some Prepper family tricks. And, of course, toilet paper. Check it out .
Hey, I couldn't make this list without mentioning one of mine. It's the least scary and more of a humorous school life adventure.Lolo and Winkle have zombie fever!
A movie ignites a notion in Winkle that the zombie apocalypse is coming. Lolo, again, finds herself caught in the middle of one of Winkle's big ideas as he assembles a diverse group of uncanny friends to prepare for the zombie takeover.
Lolo believes it's all in fun until the school bully says she's seen a zombie and demands membership in the club. They prepare for the apocalypse with drills on the beach, martial arts training, and secret meetings.
There's only one problem: nothing you do can prepare you for coming face to face with a real zombie! Check it out!
Guys, this was so good, but it really freaked me out. Okay, yes, I'm a wuss when it comes to scary stuff, but some of the scenes... The author is amazing. I'm just saying, the descriptions can get pretty frightening. Don't say I didn't warn you."Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."
Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and opulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways.
But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.
Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity. Check it out!
The illustrations alone make this book so enjoyable.At night, this mischievous bunch peeks out from under your bed. When you hear that creak . . . creak . . . THE CREAKERS are there! Discover a hilarious and eerie middle-grade story by a UK star.
What would you do if you woke up to a world with no grown-ups?
When all the parents in the world disappear, most kids think this is amazing! They can finally run wild and eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But Lucy Dungston wants to get her mom back, especially because her dad disappeared not long ago. Lucy wants the truth, and she’s convinced that the creaking sounds that come from under her bed can lead her to it.
Creak . . . creak . . .
That’s when Lucy meets the Creakers, a bunch of sticky, smelly creatures who live under children’s beds. This troublesome bunch has taken all the grown-ups to an upside-down world called the Woleb. Lucy must act fast if she wants to rescue the grown-ups, because adults who stay in the Woleb too long start becoming Creakers! Check it out!
This one is part of a series. It's a great book for fans of Harry Potter. Winner of the 2019 Children's Literary Classics Award for Middle Grade General
Winner of the 2019 Book Excellence Award for Children's Fiction
There is no magic in the village of Larkmoor. None, except for the spark that runs through twelve-year-old Fable’s veins. Living under the roof of her over-protective aunt, her powers are kept secret, hidden inside the walls of their home.
But not everything is as boring as it seems in that cozy cottage. When a strange book lands in Fable’s lap and her cousin disappears into its pages, she follows, hurtling into an enchanted forest far from the rolling hills of her home. This is a land filled with strange people, magical creatures, and more danger than Fable has ever dreamed of.
She must battle for not only a way home, but for the lives of those she loves most. With the help of her peculiar new friends, Fable must learn to trust in herself or risk losing her cousin forever. Can she save him before it’s too late? ,,Check it out!
Ha Ha! Casper. Now that's one I can handle.I once read that children need to read fairytales because they need to know that dragons can be killed. Scary stories teach them that ghosts and witches can be conquered, as long as you give them a book where good wins. But what about the pages in between? Yeah, you get a delightful ending, but the middle sticks with you and haunts you in your sleep. Just a thought from a scaredy-cat. LOL
Blessings.
LB
#octoberreads #middlegradescarystories #childrensscarybooks #notsoscarystories
September 29, 2020
Spooky and Not So Spooky Children's Books
With the arrival of the spookiest month of the year, some middle graders want to read scary books. You don't have to cringe at the thought of your child reading spooky stories. I prefer books that are supposed to be scary but are humorous. But this is not about me, right? So I've added a little of both. Take a look at my picks. Halloween is my least favorite holiday. That's right, I said it. I pretty much ignore it. I turn my porch light off just in case a kid decides to stop by the only house on the street without Halloween decorations. Ha Ha! I sound like a real Halloween scrooge. Bah humbug!
So, why am I writing about eerie books? Because I know there are kids who like to read them. Growing up in a Christian household, my mom wasn't having it. There were no horror stories in our house. Now that I think about it, I don't think my children read any either. Thank goodness for school, right? You can count on your teacher to freak you out with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Mine did. I enjoyed it, but whew, I was terrified too.
Now, back to my young readers who enjoy tales that give them chills and cause them to have to sleep with the lights on. I've listed a few books I've actually read myself, and I don't read scary books. I'm like a toddler and will have nightmares (Don't judge me. LOL).
I had the worst time finding middle grade books that weren't overly spooky. Note that all the books may not be appropriate for bedtime, though. Every child is different, so parents should gauge whether the book is too scary for their child.This one was actually part of my September giveaway. It's not scary in a witches and ghouls way but in an alien invasion way. It was creepy and funny.
The Prepper family is prepared for the end of the world. Or, at the very least, the end of toilet paper.
Doomy Prepper knows the rules. Never trade sandwiches with Mikey Fuller. He always has tuna fish. Don’t stare at Mrs. Nebula’s mole. You’ll turn into stone. And never, ever talk about the lights.
When 11-year-old Doomy notices the mysterious lights above his town have changed color, he makes the mistake of telling his best friend, Peter. Now three other kids want to tag along and solve the mystery, too. The group is convinced the lights are the reason their classmates have all started disappearing. As soon as their teacher vanishes and a nasty substitute named Ms. Martian steps in, Doomy is sure something extraterrestrial is taking place.
A surprise field trip orchestrated by Ms. Martian has Doomy and his friends on an adventure they’ll never forget. Or survive. At least not without the help of some Prepper family tricks. And, of course, toilet paper. Check it out .
Hey, I couldn't make this list without mentioning one of mine. It's the least scary and more of a humorous school life adventure.
Lolo and Winkle have zombie fever!
A movie ignites a notion in Winkle that the zombie apocalypse is coming. Lolo, again, finds herself caught in the middle of one of Winkle's big ideas as he assembles a diverse group of uncanny friends to prepare for the zombie takeover.
Lolo believes it's all in fun until the school bully says she's seen a zombie and demands membership in the club. They prepare for the apocalypse with drills on the beach, martial arts training, and secret meetings.
There's only one problem: nothing you do can prepare you for coming face to face with a real zombie! Check it out!
Guys, this was so good, but it really freaked me out. Okay, yes, I'm a wuss when it comes to scary stuff, but some of the scenes... The author is amazing. I'm just saying, the descriptions can get pretty frightening. Don't say I didn't warn you.
"Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."
Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and opulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways.
But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.
Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity. Check it out!
The illustrations alone, make this book so enjoyable.
At night, this mischievous bunch peeks out from under your bed. When you hear that creak . . . creak . . . THE CREAKERS are there! Discover a hilarious and eerie middle-grade story by a UK star.
What would you do if you woke up to a world with no grown-ups?
When all the parents in the world disappear, most kids think this is amazing! They can finally run wild and eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But Lucy Dungston wants to get her mom back, especially because her dad disappeared not long ago. Lucy wants the truth, and she’s convinced that the creaking sounds that come from under her bed can lead her to it.
Creak . . . creak . . .
That’s when Lucy meets the Creakers, a bunch of sticky, smelly creatures who live under children’s beds. This troublesome bunch has taken all the grown-ups to an upside-down world called the Woleb. Lucy must act fast if she wants to rescue the grown-ups, because adults who stay in the Woleb too long start becoming Creakers! Check it out!
This one is part of a series. It's a Great book for fans of Harry Potter.
Winner of the 2019 Children's Literary Classics Award for Middle Grade General
Winner of the 2019 Book Excellence Award for Children's Fiction
There is no magic in the village of Larkmoor. None, except for the spark that runs through twelve-year-old Fable’s veins. Living under the roof of her over-protective aunt, her powers are kept secret, hidden inside the walls of their home.
But not everything is as boring as it seems in that cozy cottage. When a strange book lands in Fable’s lap and her cousin disappears into its pages, she follows, hurtling into an enchanted forest far from the rolling hills of her home. This is a land filled with strange people, magical creatures, and more danger than Fable has ever dreamed of.
She must battle for not only a way home, but for the lives of those she loves most. With the help of her peculiar new friends, Fable must learn to trust in herself or risk losing her cousin forever. Can she save him before it’s too late? ,,Check it out!
Ha ha! Casper. Now that's one I can handle.
I once read that children need to read fairytales because they need to know that dragons can be killed. Scary stories teach them that ghosts and witches can be conquered, as long as you give them a book where good wins. But what about the pages in between? Yeah, you get a delightful ending, but the middle sticks with you and haunts you in your sleep. Just a thought from a scaredy-cat. LOL
Blessings.
LB
Halloween is my least favorite holiday. That's right, I said it. I pretty much ignore it. I turn my porch light off just in case a kid decides to stop by the only house on the street without Halloween decorations. Ha Ha! I sound like a real Halloween scrooge. Bah humbug!So, why am I writing about eerie books? Because I know there are kids who like to read them. Growing up in a Christian household, my mom wasn't having it. There were no horror stories in our house. Now that I think about it, I don't think my children read any either. Thank goodness for school, right? You can count on your teacher to freak you out with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Mine did. I enjoyed it, but whew, I was terrified too.
Now, back to my young readers who enjoy tales that give them chills and cause them to have to sleep with the lights on. I've listed a few books I've actually read myself, and I don't read scary books. I'm like a toddler and will have nightmares (Don't judge me. LOL).
I had the worst time finding middle grade books that weren't overly spooky. Note that all the books may not be appropriate for bedtime, though. Every child is different, so parents should gauge whether the book is too scary for their child.
This one was actually part of my September giveaway. It's not scary in a witches and ghouls way but in an alien invasion way. It was creepy and funny.The Prepper family is prepared for the end of the world. Or, at the very least, the end of toilet paper.
Doomy Prepper knows the rules. Never trade sandwiches with Mikey Fuller. He always has tuna fish. Don’t stare at Mrs. Nebula’s mole. You’ll turn into stone. And never, ever talk about the lights.
When 11-year-old Doomy notices the mysterious lights above his town have changed color, he makes the mistake of telling his best friend, Peter. Now three other kids want to tag along and solve the mystery, too. The group is convinced the lights are the reason their classmates have all started disappearing. As soon as their teacher vanishes and a nasty substitute named Ms. Martian steps in, Doomy is sure something extraterrestrial is taking place.
A surprise field trip orchestrated by Ms. Martian has Doomy and his friends on an adventure they’ll never forget. Or survive. At least not without the help of some Prepper family tricks. And, of course, toilet paper. Check it out .
Hey, I couldn't make this list without mentioning one of mine. It's the least scary and more of a humorous school life adventure.Lolo and Winkle have zombie fever!
A movie ignites a notion in Winkle that the zombie apocalypse is coming. Lolo, again, finds herself caught in the middle of one of Winkle's big ideas as he assembles a diverse group of uncanny friends to prepare for the zombie takeover.
Lolo believes it's all in fun until the school bully says she's seen a zombie and demands membership in the club. They prepare for the apocalypse with drills on the beach, martial arts training, and secret meetings.
There's only one problem: nothing you do can prepare you for coming face to face with a real zombie! Check it out!
Guys, this was so good, but it really freaked me out. Okay, yes, I'm a wuss when it comes to scary stuff, but some of the scenes... The author is amazing. I'm just saying, the descriptions can get pretty frightening. Don't say I didn't warn you."Never go into the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul."
Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There's plenty to explore in Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt's vast and opulent home, but she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate's maintenance man, have lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember. She has learned to prowl through the darkened corridors at night, to sneak and hide, using the mansion's hidden doors and secret passageways.
But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows the clues to follow. A terrifying man in a black cloak stalks Biltmore's corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore's owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak's true identity before all of the children vanish one by one.
Serafina's hunt leads her into the very forest that she has been taught to fear, where she discovers a forgotten legacy of magic. In order to save the children of Biltmore, Serafina must not only face her darkest enemy but delve into the strange mystery of her own identity. Check it out!
The illustrations alone, make this book so enjoyable.At night, this mischievous bunch peeks out from under your bed. When you hear that creak . . . creak . . . THE CREAKERS are there! Discover a hilarious and eerie middle-grade story by a UK star.
What would you do if you woke up to a world with no grown-ups?
When all the parents in the world disappear, most kids think this is amazing! They can finally run wild and eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. But Lucy Dungston wants to get her mom back, especially because her dad disappeared not long ago. Lucy wants the truth, and she’s convinced that the creaking sounds that come from under her bed can lead her to it.
Creak . . . creak . . .
That’s when Lucy meets the Creakers, a bunch of sticky, smelly creatures who live under children’s beds. This troublesome bunch has taken all the grown-ups to an upside-down world called the Woleb. Lucy must act fast if she wants to rescue the grown-ups, because adults who stay in the Woleb too long start becoming Creakers! Check it out!
This one is part of a series. It's a Great book for fans of Harry Potter. Winner of the 2019 Children's Literary Classics Award for Middle Grade General
Winner of the 2019 Book Excellence Award for Children's Fiction
There is no magic in the village of Larkmoor. None, except for the spark that runs through twelve-year-old Fable’s veins. Living under the roof of her over-protective aunt, her powers are kept secret, hidden inside the walls of their home.
But not everything is as boring as it seems in that cozy cottage. When a strange book lands in Fable’s lap and her cousin disappears into its pages, she follows, hurtling into an enchanted forest far from the rolling hills of her home. This is a land filled with strange people, magical creatures, and more danger than Fable has ever dreamed of.
She must battle for not only a way home, but for the lives of those she loves most. With the help of her peculiar new friends, Fable must learn to trust in herself or risk losing her cousin forever. Can she save him before it’s too late? ,,Check it out!
Ha ha! Casper. Now that's one I can handle.I once read that children need to read fairytales because they need to know that dragons can be killed. Scary stories teach them that ghosts and witches can be conquered, as long as you give them a book where good wins. But what about the pages in between? Yeah, you get a delightful ending, but the middle sticks with you and haunts you in your sleep. Just a thought from a scaredy-cat. LOL
Blessings.
LB
#octoberreads #middlegradescarystories #childrensscarybooks #notsoscarystories
August 17, 2020
The Story Behind Teen Depression
My new release,
Before I Let Go
,
is about teen depression. Aria Meyer is thirteen years old when she begins experiencing depression. Mental health is often a taboo subject among parents, but it doesn't have to be. Not when our children are suffering in silence. Depression rates are soaring among kids as young as twelve years old. It's troubling, to say the least. I was one of those kids.
In a Risk Behaviors Survey (2017) 7.4% of youths in grades 9-12 reported having made at least one suicide attempt in the past twelve months. I, too, had those thoughts at age twelve due to the bullying I experienced in school.
Adolescence may be a difficult time for children and parents. Trust is critical. Your children need to know they can talk to you about anything. Talk about your experiences as an adolescent. They need to know they are not alone.
Warning signs parents should look out for:
- Excessive sleeping, beyond usual teenage fatigue, which could indicate depression or substance abuse; difficulty in sleeping, insomnia, and other sleep disorders
- Loss of self-esteem
- Abandonment or loss of interest in favorite pastimes
- An unexpected and dramatic decline in grades
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressiveness and excess anger that is out of character
At times, Before I Let Go was difficult to write. I had to delve into what I'd gone through, and all of those emotions came flooding back. So I wrestled with myself. Do I tell some of the things that happened to me at thirteen or do I not?
Before I Let Go is written keeping in mind the age group it is intended for (12-14yr olds), but the protagonist, Aria, does endure some of the bullyings I experienced. I won't tell you which incidents actually happened to me. Maybe I will. Later. After the release.
Before I Let Go
launches August 24th. I really hope it helps someone. Also, there is a giveaway for my subscribers. To celebrate the launch I'm giving away a Kindle Fire 8 and an Amazon gift card. To be entered, simply tell me whether you've purchased the ebook or paperback. Comment on this
Facebook
or
Instagram
post. Here's hoping you enjoy reading about Aria Meyer overcoming depression. (Winner will be chosen August 31st)
FYI, the ebook is sale priced for release. Thanks for stopping by!
LB
In a Risk Behaviors Survey (2017) 7.4% of youths in grades 9-12 reported having made at least one suicide attempt in the past twelve months. I, too, had those thoughts at age twelve due to the bullying I experienced in school. Adolescence may be a difficult time for children and parents. Trust is critical. Your children need to know they can talk to you about anything. Talk about your experiences as an adolescent. They need to know they are not alone.
Warning signs parents should look out for:
- Excessive sleeping, beyond usual teenage fatigue, which could indicate depression or substance abuse; difficulty in sleeping, insomnia, and other sleep disorders
- Loss of self-esteem
- Abandonment or loss of interest in favorite pastimes
- An unexpected and dramatic decline in grades
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressiveness and excess anger that is out of character
At times, Before I Let Go was difficult to write. I had to delve into what I'd gone through, and all of those emotions came flooding back. So I wrestled with myself. Do I tell some of the things that happened to me at thirteen or do I not? Before I Let Go is written keeping in mind the age group it is intended for (12-14yr olds), but the protagonist, Aria, does endure some of the bullyings I experienced. I won't tell you which incidents actually happened to me. Maybe I will. Later. After the release.
Before I Let Go
launches August 24th. I really hope it helps someone. Also, there is a giveaway for my subscribers. To celebrate the launch I'm giving away a Kindle Fire 8 and an Amazon gift card. To be entered, simply tell me whether you've purchased the ebook or paperback. Comment on this
Facebook
or
Instagram
post. Here's hoping you enjoy reading about Aria Meyer overcoming depression. (Winner will be chosen August 31st)FYI, the ebook is sale priced for release. Thanks for stopping by!
LB
#teendepression #teenmentalhealth #middlegradebook #newrelease
The Story Behind Teen Depression
My new release,
Before I Let Go
,
is about teen depression. Aria Meyer is thirteen years old when she begins experiencing depression. Mental health is often a taboo subject among parents, but it doesn't have to be. Not when our children are suffering in silence. Depression rates are soaring among kids as young as twelve years old. It's troubling, to say the least. I was one of those kids.
In a Risk Behaviors Survey (2017) 7.4% of youths in grades 9-12 reported having made at least one suicide attempt in the past twelve months. I, too, had those thoughts at age twelve due to the bullying I experienced in school.
Adolescence may be a difficult time for children and parents. Trust is critical. Your children need to know they can talk to you about anything. Talk about your experiences as an adolescent. They need to know they are not alone.
Warning signs parents should look out for:
- Excessive sleeping, beyond usual teenage fatigue, which could indicate depression or substance abuse; difficulty in sleeping, insomnia, and other sleep disorders
- Loss of self-esteem
- Abandonment or loss of interest in favorite pastimes
- An unexpected and dramatic decline in grades
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressiveness and excess anger that is out of character
At times, Before I Let Go was difficult to write. I had to delve into what I'd gone through, and all of those emotions came flooding back. So I wrestled with myself. Do I tell some of the things that happened to me at thirteen or do I not?
Before I Let Go is written keeping in mind the age group it is intended for (12-14yr olds), but the protagonist, Aria, does endure some of the bullyings I experienced. I won't tell you which incidents actually happened to me. Maybe I will. Later. After the release.
Before I Let Go
launches August 24th. I really hope it helps someone. Also, there is a giveaway for my subscribers. To celebrate the launch I'm giving away a Kindle Fire 8 and an Amazon gift card. To be entered, simply tell me whether you're purchasing the ebook or paperback either on this
Facebook
or
Instagram
post. Here's hoping you enjoy reading about Aria Meyer overcoming depression. (Winner will be chosen August 31st)
FYI, the ebook is sale priced for release. Thanks for stopping by!
LB
In a Risk Behaviors Survey (2017) 7.4% of youths in grades 9-12 reported having made at least one suicide attempt in the past twelve months. I, too, had those thoughts at age twelve due to the bullying I experienced in school. Adolescence may be a difficult time for children and parents. Trust is critical. Your children need to know they can talk to you about anything. Talk about your experiences as an adolescent. They need to know they are not alone.
Warning signs parents should look out for:
- Excessive sleeping, beyond usual teenage fatigue, which could indicate depression or substance abuse; difficulty in sleeping, insomnia, and other sleep disorders
- Loss of self-esteem
- Abandonment or loss of interest in favorite pastimes
- An unexpected and dramatic decline in grades
- Loss of appetite
- Aggressiveness and excess anger that is out of character
At times, Before I Let Go was difficult to write. I had to delve into what I'd gone through, and all of those emotions came flooding back. So I wrestled with myself. Do I tell some of the things that happened to me at thirteen or do I not? Before I Let Go is written keeping in mind the age group it is intended for (12-14yr olds), but the protagonist, Aria, does endure some of the bullyings I experienced. I won't tell you which incidents actually happened to me. Maybe I will. Later. After the release.
Before I Let Go
launches August 24th. I really hope it helps someone. Also, there is a giveaway for my subscribers. To celebrate the launch I'm giving away a Kindle Fire 8 and an Amazon gift card. To be entered, simply tell me whether you're purchasing the ebook or paperback either on this
Facebook
or
Instagram
post. Here's hoping you enjoy reading about Aria Meyer overcoming depression. (Winner will be chosen August 31st)FYI, the ebook is sale priced for release. Thanks for stopping by!
LB
#teendepression #teenmentalhealth #middlegradebook #newrelease
August 3, 2020
Did Someone Say New Middle Grade Books?
Yes, friends! Pump your fists and get excited. Today I'm sharing book news and some book goodies for you to check out. Your children will love these additions to their reading time. Let's just jump right on in there.
Who loves audiobooks? Even if you've already read a novel. If it's available on audio, take my word for it, try it. You will experience the novel in a whole new way.
If your kids like ninja's, they're going to enjoy this story!
SECRET MISSIONS. SPIN KICKS. SINISTER GHOSTS.
Thirteen-year-old Agent Darcy is one of the top students at the Bureau of Sneakery, where there are three rules every agent must follow: never make friends with an outsider, never speak of the Bureau, and never reveal your real name. Lately, Darcy has hit a rough patch: her rival, Agent Serena, keeps outdoing her. If things keep going this way, Darcy is convinced that no one will ever assign her a real mission.
Ninja Steve’s city, Ninjastoria, is the home of sword fights, throwing stars, and Tae Kwon Donuts. Unlike his genius older sister, twelve-year-old Steve isn’t the best ninja student. He’d rather be swinging a sword instead of taking notes in class. Steve, however, is about to learn that being a true ninja means far more than being able to use a sword.
When Darcy is sent to Ninjastoria as an exchange student, it will turn both of their lives upside-down and raise all kinds of questions:
What do the mecha-moles want? Who is the man in the gray mask? What do ninjas eat for lunch? And why are there tiger stripes all over the cover of this book?
Now available for preorder: Lolo and Winkle the Complete Collection
"Fun! Likable characters with great adventures. I look forward to seeing more adventures from this combo. I would definitely recommend to any reader in your life." Amazon Reviewer
Lolo trips over her own feet. Kids cheer when they see Winkle. Lolo refuses to dress girly. Winkle only wears the colors of his favorite basketball team. The siblings are so different. How could they possibly get along? Most days, they don’t.
LOLO!” Winkle screams whenever he’s in trouble or excited. Lolo has never understood why. But she has learned her place in the world. She must keep her year-and-a-day younger brother out of trouble while getting over being awkward, dealing with bullies, and learning the true meaning of friendship.
Follow Lolo and Winkle as they fight and make up, defeat bullies, and “Release the Kraken.” Find out what happens when Winkle’s big ideas go too far.
Four a limited time, get all five books for the price of 3!
Second grade's hilarious curly hair lover is back, and she's got a new product to try out!
"You'll laugh and shake your head, because Zuri hasn't learned her lesson." Arc Reader
Zuri is not a stranger to trouble, but this time she's in a tangled mess with Beetle-faced Josh! Not only that, she thinks she's lost Pickle as her best friend forever. In this third installment of the Curly Girl Adventures series, Zuri is taught a lesson by her teacher, Mr. Bugby, and her parents. They got her good this time.
But wait, there's more. LOL
Before I let Go
I have so much more to tell ya, but I will save some of it for my next post. I've read some great books that I want to share, and there's also a book cover reveal and another new series coming from me. Stay tuned.
Blessings,
L. B.
Who loves audiobooks? Even if you've already read a novel. If it's available on audio, take my word for it, try it. You will experience the novel in a whole new way. If your kids like ninja's, they're going to enjoy this story!"My 9 y.o. is a reluctant reader. I always have to start a series out by reading with him. After we finished the 1st chapter, he said: 'Mom, I want to be a ninja!!' That was last night. This evening he ran up to me and said: 'I just finished the whole book!! I love it. VERY MUCH!!!'" -Amazon Customer, 5 Star Review
SECRET MISSIONS. SPIN KICKS. SINISTER GHOSTS.
Thirteen-year-old Agent Darcy is one of the top students at the Bureau of Sneakery, where there are three rules every agent must follow: never make friends with an outsider, never speak of the Bureau, and never reveal your real name. Lately, Darcy has hit a rough patch: her rival, Agent Serena, keeps outdoing her. If things keep going this way, Darcy is convinced that no one will ever assign her a real mission.
Ninja Steve’s city, Ninjastoria, is the home of sword fights, throwing stars, and Tae Kwon Donuts. Unlike his genius older sister, twelve-year-old Steve isn’t the best ninja student. He’d rather be swinging a sword instead of taking notes in class. Steve, however, is about to learn that being a true ninja means far more than being able to use a sword.
When Darcy is sent to Ninjastoria as an exchange student, it will turn both of their lives upside-down and raise all kinds of questions:
What do the mecha-moles want? Who is the man in the gray mask? What do ninjas eat for lunch? And why are there tiger stripes all over the cover of this book?
Now available for preorder: Lolo and Winkle the Complete Collection
"Fun! Likable characters with great adventures. I look forward to seeing more adventures from this combo. I would definitely recommend to any reader in your life." Amazon ReviewerLolo trips over her own feet. Kids cheer when they see Winkle. Lolo refuses to dress girly. Winkle only wears the colors of his favorite basketball team. The siblings are so different. How could they possibly get along? Most days, they don’t.
LOLO!” Winkle screams whenever he’s in trouble or excited. Lolo has never understood why. But she has learned her place in the world. She must keep her year-and-a-day younger brother out of trouble while getting over being awkward, dealing with bullies, and learning the true meaning of friendship.
Follow Lolo and Winkle as they fight and make up, defeat bullies, and “Release the Kraken.” Find out what happens when Winkle’s big ideas go too far.
Four a limited time, get all five books for the price of 3!
Second grade's hilarious curly hair lover is back, and she's got a new product to try out!"You'll laugh and shake your head, because Zuri hasn't learned her lesson." Arc Reader
Zuri is not a stranger to trouble, but this time she's in a tangled mess with Beetle-faced Josh! Not only that, she thinks she's lost Pickle as her best friend forever. In this third installment of the Curly Girl Adventures series, Zuri is taught a lesson by her teacher, Mr. Bugby, and her parents. They got her good this time.
But wait, there's more. LOL
Before I let Go
I have so much more to tell ya, but I will save some of it for my next post. I've read some great books that I want to share, and there's also a book cover reveal and another new series coming from me. Stay tuned.
Blessings,
L. B.
#childrensaudiobooks #ninjabook #chapterbooks
July 30, 2020
The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars Audiobook Blog Tour
It's happening! If you are a Sheena Meyer series fan you're going to want to check out the stops on this tour. It features an author interview, character profiles, an audiobook sample, and much more!
Tour stops:
Jul. 23rd:
4 the Love of Audiobooks (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Guest Post)
The Book Junkie Reads . . . (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jul. 24th:
Stressed Rach (Review)
Audiobook News (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jul. 25th:
Super Booked! (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Jazzy Book Reviews (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Dream Cast)
Jul. 26th:
Eileen Troemel (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Momma Says To Read or Not to Read (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jul. 27th:
The Clipped Nightingale (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Nesie's Place (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Guest Post)
Jul. 28th:
Turning Another Page (Review, Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Author Interview)
Willow Writes and Reads (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Jul. 29th:
2 Girls and a Book (Review, Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
T's Stuff (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Author Interview, Guest Post)
Teatime and Books (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)I will update this post with links as they become available on the day of the stop.
If you haven't checked out the audiobook version of The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars, get it HERE .
Check out the latest review:
(FIVE STARS) Amazing! Definitely recommend!
"I loved this book! It was captivating and I read it in 2 days! I can't wait to read the next two books! I would definitely recommend this series! It is a great series for young teens!"
Friends, thank you for sharing this moment with me. It's always exciting when you find new ways of getting your book in front of readers. If they don't know it exists, how are they going to read it? LOL. Also, I appreciate those of you who have been recommending it on Goodreads and Bookbub. I see you! (Insert hug)
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
LB
#audiobooktour #middlegradeaudiobook #goodreadsmglit #bookbubmglit #childrensaudiobooks #teenaudiobooks #middlegradebestseller
Tour stops:Jul. 23rd:
4 the Love of Audiobooks (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Guest Post)
The Book Junkie Reads . . . (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jul. 24th:
Stressed Rach (Review)
Audiobook News (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jul. 25th:
Super Booked! (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Jazzy Book Reviews (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Dream Cast)
Jul. 26th:
Eileen Troemel (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Momma Says To Read or Not to Read (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jul. 27th:
The Clipped Nightingale (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Nesie's Place (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Guest Post)
Jul. 28th:
Turning Another Page (Review, Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Author Interview)
Willow Writes and Reads (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)
Jul. 29th:
2 Girls and a Book (Review, Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
T's Stuff (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Author Interview, Guest Post)
Teatime and Books (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Character Profiles)I will update this post with links as they become available on the day of the stop.
If you haven't checked out the audiobook version of The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars, get it HERE .
Check out the latest review:
(FIVE STARS) Amazing! Definitely recommend! "I loved this book! It was captivating and I read it in 2 days! I can't wait to read the next two books! I would definitely recommend this series! It is a great series for young teens!"
Friends, thank you for sharing this moment with me. It's always exciting when you find new ways of getting your book in front of readers. If they don't know it exists, how are they going to read it? LOL. Also, I appreciate those of you who have been recommending it on Goodreads and Bookbub. I see you! (Insert hug)
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
LB
#audiobooktour #middlegradeaudiobook #goodreadsmglit #bookbubmglit #childrensaudiobooks #teenaudiobooks #middlegradebestseller
July 26, 2020
The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars Audiobook Blog Tour
It's happening! If you are a Sheena Meyer series fan you're going to want to check out the stops on this tour. It features an author interview, character profiles, an audiobook sample, and much more!
Tour stops:
Jul. 23rd:
Jul. 24th:
Jul. 25th:
Jul. 26th:
Jul. 27th:
Jul. 28th:
Jul. 29th:
I will update this post with links as they become available on the day of the stop.
If you haven't checked out the audiobook version of The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars, get it
Check out the latest review:
(FIVE STARS) Amazing! Definitely recommend!
"I loved this book! It was captivating and I read it in 2 days! I can't wait to read the next two books! I would definitely recommend this series! It is a great series for young teens!"
Friends, thank you for sharing this moment with me. It's always exciting when you find new ways of getting your book in front of readers. If they don't know it exists, how are they going to read it? LOL. Also, I appreciate those of you who have been recommending it on Goodreads and Bookbub. I see you! (Insert hug)
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
LB
#audiobooktour #middlegradeaudiobook #goodreadsmglit #bookbubmglit #childrensaudiobooks #teenaudiobooks #middlegradebestseller
Tour stops:Jul. 23rd:
Jul. 24th:
Jul. 25th:
Jul. 26th:
Jul. 27th:
Jul. 28th:
Jul. 29th:
I will update this post with links as they become available on the day of the stop.
If you haven't checked out the audiobook version of The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars, get it
Check out the latest review:
(FIVE STARS) Amazing! Definitely recommend! "I loved this book! It was captivating and I read it in 2 days! I can't wait to read the next two books! I would definitely recommend this series! It is a great series for young teens!"
Friends, thank you for sharing this moment with me. It's always exciting when you find new ways of getting your book in front of readers. If they don't know it exists, how are they going to read it? LOL. Also, I appreciate those of you who have been recommending it on Goodreads and Bookbub. I see you! (Insert hug)
Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings,
LB
#audiobooktour #middlegradeaudiobook #goodreadsmglit #bookbubmglit #childrensaudiobooks #teenaudiobooks #middlegradebestseller
July 20, 2020
What's next for The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars?
Friends, I'm so glad you asked. I read every last one of your emails and messages. I read your reviews too. Thank you so much for your kind words, and support. Because of you, it is with a grateful heart that I tell you... 
It's not over for Sheena Meyer!
I've heard you. Some of you made me laugh. You begged and pleaded that I not end the series. One reader said she would die if I did. LOL!
Honestly, it wasn't a hard decision to make. I loved writing this series and thought long and hard about where it could go from The Girl Who Captured the Sun. Readers even sent suggestions (without me asking). And I mean great suggestions. You guys are amazing.
The audiobook for The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars released last month (
Stick around for the title and cover reveal of book four of the series next month.
I hear ya. I'm excited too. Huh? Yes, I'll make sure it's available for preorder. LOL. Sometimes I like to pretend you're talking to me as I write.
To all my Sheen Meyer readers, "May your vision be true."
Blessings,
L.B.
It's not over for Sheena Meyer! I've heard you. Some of you made me laugh. You begged and pleaded that I not end the series. One reader said she would die if I did. LOL!
Honestly, it wasn't a hard decision to make. I loved writing this series and thought long and hard about where it could go from The Girl Who Captured the Sun. Readers even sent suggestions (without me asking). And I mean great suggestions. You guys are amazing.The audiobook for The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars released last month (Stick around for the title and cover reveal of book four of the series next month.
I hear ya. I'm excited too. Huh? Yes, I'll make sure it's available for preorder. LOL. Sometimes I like to pretend you're talking to me as I write.
To all my Sheen Meyer readers, "May your vision be true."
Blessings,
L.B.
#lbanne #thegirlwholookedbeyondthestars #sheenameyerseries #middlegradebookseries #audiobook #booksfortweens #christianfiction
