Tonya Duncan Ellis's Blog, page 9

My Favorite 2020 Middle Grade Reads – Author Tonya Duncan Ellis

bookstack of some of my favorite 2020 middle grade reads.

I read twenty middle grade books in 2020. With all the changes we’ve gone through the past twelve months it seems like a lifetime since I picked up a few of them. I really enjoyed all these stories. Check out my descriptions to see if any you haven’t read tickles your fancy. I’m excited about discovering some great new reads in 2021!

A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqui and Laura Shovan – This book about a friendship between a Pakistani-American and her Jewish classmate highlights food, friendship, and family. It was a nice read that gets those needed conversation about acceptance and anti-bullying started.

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander – As a native of Louisville, Kentucky, I was filled with pride as I read this inspiring story of Muhammad Ali’s childhood. It was fun learning about his growing up in Louisville’s West End, where many of my family still lives. My Mom and other relatives graduated from his high school. Becoming Muhmmad Ali shows the fighter’s motivation, strong work ethic, drive, and determination and inspired me as an adult, so I know kids will be encouraged by reading it.

Benchwarmers by John Feinstein – I love a good sports story, and this book about a girl fighting to play on the boys’ school soccer team with her male friend was a fast paced, fun read. Boys and girls who like athletics should really enjoy it.

Betty Before X by Rene Watson and Illyah Shabazz–This book tells about the growing-up years of Dr. Betty Shabazz, widow of human rights activist and black nationalist Malcolm X. As a child growing up in Detroit, Betty was inspired by leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Paul Robeson, who visited her church, and she volunteered for the Housewives League, a group that supports black-owned businesses. The book touches on racism, threats, and a teen boy who was murdered by police.

Clean Getaway by Nic Stone – After an incident in school puts him on lockdown during his spring break, eleven-year-old William “Scoob” Lamar takes a runaway road trip though the South with his unconventional, white grandmother, G-ma, and gets a valuable history lesson about the segregated South.

Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj – Reading this book made me question my own prejudices against others. It’s an interesting book that should serve as a conversation starter about accepting differences and bullying.

From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks – Wrongful imprisonment and joy wouldn’t seem to go together, but this book about a sweet girl who works to free her incarcerated father had me humming songs from the story’s playlist and craving cupcakes. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is a page turner that expertly tackles tough topics in a kid-friendly way.

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes – A couple of years ago I read Ninth Ward by this author and really enjoyed it, and this book also didn’t disappoint. One of my favorite middle grade reads this year, Ghost Boys tells the story of 12-year-old Black boy gunned down by a police officer, who comes back as a ghost and meets the ghosts of Emmitt Till and other boys who were also killed by the police. The impact of the shooting on the police officer’s daughter and family is also explored, as is school bullying. I highly recommend this book as a conversation-starter for middle graders on the Black Lives Matter movement.

Kat Greene Comes Clean by Melissa Roske – Kat Greene’s mother obsessively cleans their apartment and even cans of food in the supermarket. Kat’s embarrassed about her Mom’s obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and isn’t sure how to handle the problem. I liked Roske’s writing style, reminiscent of Judy Blume,  and the handling of this sensitive topic. It was fun to step into the New York City lifestyle of the young characters.

Nightbooks by J.A. White – I’m a big fraidy cat, so I usually shy away from scary books and movies, but I gave this one a try during October, and couldn’t put it down. The twisted take on Hansel and Gretel was a fun page-turner that got me into the Halloween spirit. It’s a definite thumbs up.

Nikki on the Line by Barbara Carroll Roberts – I love basketball, and had a great time reading Nikki on the Line. This book gives an authentic view of competitive youth sports in a fun and engaging way. I cheered for Nikki and her Action teammates through their struggles and triumphs and could not put the book down. Nikki on the Line teaches wonderful lessons about friendship, being responsible, and overcoming obstacles to realize your dreams. It’s a slam dunk reading experience!

No Ballet Shoes in Syria by Catherine Burton – I learned about his book about a Syrian refugee’s experience in England while being interviewed on a British podcast and picked it up later out of curiosity. It was refreshing to learn about discrimination faced by others and the strength of the human spirit.

Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park– This book blew me away. The author perfectly captures the feel of the Little House series, but modernizes it by showing the racist micro-aggressions the Asian main character faced and how Native Americans were demonized and stripped of their land. The beautiful writing and the research that clearly went into producing this book make it one of my favorite KidLit reads of the year.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale – At times painful to read, this graphic novel perfectly captures the angst felt by young girls trying to fit in with mean girl cliques. Several times I wanted to give the main character a hug and tell off some of her “friends.” This book should get great conversations started about being true to yourself and what it means to be a real friend.

Something to Say by Lisa Moore Ramee – Jenae, the protagonist from this story, really touched me. She’s a quiet, offbeat, little girl, who is afraid to stand out, but finds her voice by the end of the book. Jenae reminds me of myself at that age, and I could identify with many of her reactions, thoughts and feelings.

Sunny by Jason Reynolds – This was my first Jason Reynold’s book, and I’m looking forward to reading more by this talented author. I was captivated by his story of a motherless track star trying to find his own path. Written in epistolary style through diary entries, it’s a fun, quick read.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee – I’m a big historical fiction fan, and this story about an Asian girl being discriminated against in 1890 Atlanta taught me a lot and really held my attention.

Twintuition Double Vision by Tia and Tamera Mowry – A light, fun read about twin teen girls trying to fit in at their new town and school, while discovering that they have magical powers to see the future, this cute book should keep the pages turning of even the most reluctant readers.

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renee Watson – I truly had sunshine on the cloudy day when I read this sweet little book that just makes you feel good. I’m looking forward to seeing little Ryan’s next adventures.

What Stars Are Made Of by Sarah Allen – This is a sweet story about a science-loving girl with Turner Syndrome, a condition that results when one of the X chromosomes is missing. I’d never heard about this condition that can cause a variety of medical and developmental problems, including short height, failture of the ovaries to develop, and heart defects, so I learned a lot while also being entertained by this heartwarming read about friendship, family, and self-acceptance.

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best selling, award winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Authors Guild.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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Organization Tips for Writers

Starting a writing project is a resolution many make each year. To make sure you finish what you start it’s best to get organized. Here are a few tips I use to help me reach writing deadlines:

Time block – If your life’s anything like mine you have plenty of obligations and distractions that can eat away at writing time. Block a set time to write every day and guard it. I do best early in the morning, but use what works for you. Focus completely on your writing for an hour, if you can, to get into a flow state.
Set daily goals – I set daily word count goals for all my projects to stay on task. Even if I fall short some days, having those targets to hit ensures I finish on schedule.
Invest in writing software. I’ve been using Scrivener, and I love how it helps me organize my chapters, see my downloaded research images as I write, and track my writing word counts.
Mute social media and ignore group chats at writing time. Set aside time each evening (30-40 min) to catch up with your social accounts.

Hope these tips help! Best wishes with your 2021 writing goals!!

Sophie Washington: Code One Is Being Published By Scholastic!!

This week was HUGE for Tonya Duncan Ellis books! I signed a contract to have Sophie Washington: Code One included in Scholastic’s upcoming Rising Voices: Girls Lead the Way program centered around girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), a companion to their Rising Voices Library. Scholastic now has rights to reprint paperbacks of the book, and it will be included in Scholastic book fairs!! This is a dream come true for me, and I’m over the moon excited!

I know that none of this would be possible without the support of my readers, so thank you from the bottom of my heart for buying and recommending Sophie Washington books, writing reviews, and following along my journey!

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best selling, award winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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Sophie Washington: Class Retreat Is Going On A Review Tour!!

Sophie Washington: Class Retreat is going on an online review tour! For a full month, bloggers will feature the 11th book in the bestselling, illustrated chapter book series for kids ages 8-12.

In this story Sophie and friends take a two-day class camping trip where they experience camp fires, s’mores, hiking, archery, and run into some unexpected visitors….

Check out the tour stops below for book highlights and a chance to win Amazon gift cards, just in time for holiday shopping!

November 19: Andi’s Middle Grade and Chapter Books
November 19: Sandra’s Book Club
November 19: Reviews by Saph
December 3: Our Town Book Reviews
December 3: Fabulous and Brunette
December 10: The Reading Addict
December 10: Kit ‘N Kabookle
December 10: Natural bri
December 17: Locks, Hooks and Books
December 17: Jazzy Book Reviews
December 17: Journey of a Bookseller

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best selling, award winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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3 Marketing Tips for Authors

3 BOOK MARKETING TIPS

Once their book is released new authors sometimes look forward to putting their feet up and counting their royalty checks. But if you want your book to actually sell, get ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work with book marketing. Here are three tips to make it happen:

Get reviews – Social proof sells books, so make sure that you have as many positive reader and blogger reviews as possible. 

Be everywhere– The marketing “rule of seven” says that buyers need to see something at least seven times before they make a purchase decision. Showcase your book on different platforms (ads, social media, virtual events, etc.) to keep it top of mind. 

Be consistent – Book marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. When things get frustrating, follow your marketing plan and stay the course. 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best selling, award winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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Nature Scavenger Hunt! Sophie Washington: Class Retreat

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Sophie and her friends have a fun nature scavenger hunt in the forest. Use this list to have your own nature scavenger hunt in your area. Can you find all 20 things on the list?

Acorn
Animal Footprint
Bee
Berries
Bird
Butterfly
Cloud
Deer
Flower
Leaf
Lizard
Log
Moss
Mushroom
Pine Cone
Rabbit
Rock
Spider Web
Squirrel
Tree Stump

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

www.tonyaduncanellis.com

Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks

Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis

Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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Sophie Washington: Class Retreat Indoor S’Mores Recipe

 

Indoor S ’Mores Recipe

Sophie and friends have a great time making and eating s’mores around the campfire during their retreat at Camp Glowing Spring in Sophie Washington: Class Retreat. Try out these indoor kitchen s’mores recipes at home!

Ingredients

Chocolate

Graham Crackers

Marshmallows

Microwave Method

Place one graham cracker half on a paper towel. Top with a chocolate bar half and marshmallow.Microwave for about 10 seconds or until marshmallow gets puffy.Top with other graham cracker half and press together.

Stove Method (Gas Stove)

Place one graham cracker half on a paper towel. Top with a chocolate bar half.Using a long rod or metal skewer toast marshmallow over stove flame until lightly brown.Place toasted marshmallow over the chocolate graham cracker half. Top with other graham cracker and press together.

Variations

Spread peanut butter on graham crackers before adding chocolate.Add fruit (maraschino cherries, or banana or strawberry slices) on top of the chocolate.

Enjoy!

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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It’s My Book’s Birthday! Sophie Washington: Class Retreat

Today’s the birthday of my 11th book! Sophie Washington: Class Retreat is available for purchase on all online retailers!! In this story, Sophie and her friends take a camping trip where they enjoy s’mores, fireside stories, hiking, and some surprise visitors. It’s an adventure they won’t soon forget!

To celebrate Sophie Washington: Class Retreat’s release, I’m hosting a Facebook Live virtual party on Saturday, October 24 from 2-4 p.m. CT, and I’d love for you to join me! There will be games, giveaways, and lots of fun! Sign in on my Facebook page @tonyaellisbooks. 

Speaking of parties, a fan recently hosted a Sophie Washington themed celebration for her birthday, and we created super cute party supplies for the event! These are now on sale on my website www.tonyaduncanellis.com.

Thanks again for following along my author journey. I feel grateful to be able to play a small role in the lives of my young readers, and I appreciate all your support! 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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5 Tips for New Authors

I’ve written 11 books and sold over 40,000 copies independently, but I still have mountains to scale when it comes to reaching my publishing goals. Here’s advice from what I’ve learned so far on my journey for new authors:

Read – Read books in your genre and keep current with information about writing and marketing to improve your craft and grow your business.

Network – No man is an island. We all need help along our path. Connect with other authors to learn, collaborate, and get support.

Walk Your Talk – Don’t just talk about it, be about it. Take daily actions (marketing, networking, word count goals, etc.) to make your writing dreams come true.

Develop a Thick Skin – Not everyone will like your work, and it stings when a book you’ve poured your heart and soul into gets a bad review. Learn from mistakes, shake it off and keep going.

Enjoy the Ride – Celebrate milestones along the way, and be proud of each step. You’re an actual author. That’s quite an accomplishment!!

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Sophie’s best friend, Chloe, in the Sophie Washington series, sometimes gets upset because she has this condition and struggles to do as well in school as her classmates. Dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult for those affected to read, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. Albert Einstein was dyslexic, and so are many other extremely talented and successful people.

Kids with dyslexia may:

Read well below grade level.Have trouble spelling.Having trouble remembering the sequence of things.Spend an unusually long time on reading tasks.

Children who are identified as dyslexic early-on and get extra reading help early are generally able to be successful in school.

A few famous people who are/were dyslexic include:

Albert EinsteinMuhammad AliSteven SpielbergLeonardo da VinciThomas EdisonPablo PicassoWhoopi GoldbergJennifer AnistonHenry WinklerJay Leno

Source: WebMD

Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star” rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Like Us on Facebook: @tonyaellisbooks
Follow Us on Twitter: @tonyaDEllis
Follow Us on Instagram: @tonyaellisbooks

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