Laurisa White Reyes's Blog, page 90

...AND THE 2015 SPARK AWARD GOES TO...

I have some incredible news to announce!This week my middle grade novel, THE STORYTELLERS, was given the 2015 SCBWI SPARK AWARD  for best non-traditionally published children's book of the year!
I am flabbergasted, delighted, and in awe! To celebrate, I've decided to give away a few goodies:
an autographed copy ofTHE STORYTELLERSand$10 AMAZON GIFT CARD
To enter the drawing, fill out the rafflecopter form below. The giveaway will run through the end of March. You must be 18 or older and a U.S. resident to enter. In addition, I am holding a 2nd special giveaway! I will randomly select one elementary school to win a case of brand new middle grade book releases from a variety of publishers! This will be an awesome addition to a school library or classroom. To enter your choice of schools, complete the 2nd rafflecopter form below, but be sure to include the name and city/state of the school. Only schools located in the continental United States are eligible. (Sorry Alaska and Hawaii!)
Winners will be announced on April 1st.

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ANNOUNCING BLOG HOP WINNER!!!

Congratulations to RONALEE DUNCAN for winning the LEAP INTO BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP! She will be receiving a grab bag of 3 brand new children's books!
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BLOG TOUR: IF WE WERE A MOVIE by Kelly Oram

IF WE WERE A MOVIE (Power of the Matchmaker, book 3)
Kelly Oram
Bluefields
New Adult

Music meets Movies in this sweet college romance from the bestselling author of Cinder & Ella.

NYU freshman Nate Anderson is a triplet who is desperate to escape his wild and crazy brothers. After they screw things up for him one too many times, Nate flees his housing situation and takes the first available room for rent as far from his brothers as he can get.

Enter his new roommate Jordan–a quirky LA girl who believes that everything in life has already been done in the movies. In this heartfelt tale of love, friendship and family, Nate learns how to deal with his new adult life using Hollywood films as a guide. 


  What readers just like you are saying about If We Were a Movie:"WOW! This book is great! The concept is so inventive, and the writing is brilliant.""I thought Cinder & Ella jerked with my emotions too much but this one might have it beat.""I finished reading If We Were a Movie yesterday. I loved it! I fell hard for Nate. Jordan was amazing! And Pearl's timing was perfect! ""Amazing concept with movies as chapters, and fantastic storyline." "I loved this story and was humming along to the songs from the book whilst reading. I can see this book becoming the movie it was written to be." "If We Were a Movie made me want to binge watch movies, listen to old playlists and re-read it all at once."

TEASER:“So this is what a Pearl-approved guy looks like.” She shook her head once and cracked a smile. “She’s got good taste, I’ll give her that. You’re an odd mix of sexy and adorable. Don’t see that often.”I was a little taken aback by the compliment, if that’s even what it was. She may have just been stating what she considered to be fact. She laughed at my surprise and held out her hand to me. “Nice to meet you. I’m Jordan Kramer.”I’d been afraid of that. “You’re a girl.”Jordan laughed. “That’s what it says on my birth certificate, but I’m really glad you were able to figure it out without needing to read it.”Nope. I definitely didn’t need that.  TEASER: I handed Jordan the electric guitar that I’ve had since I was twelve, and laughed when her eyes got really big. “You play the electric guitar, too?” “Music major,” I teased, picking up my keyboard. “I play this, too. A little. And the bass guitar.” “Awesome.” She examined the electric guitar with awe. “Why do you seem so surprised?” She looked at me as if the answer to that question should be obvious. “Hello. Have you met yourself? You with an acoustic guitar singing soft songs around a campfire or in a coffee house makes perfect sense. But I can’t picture you up on a stage, jamming on your electric guitar like a rock star.” She studied me a moment, then shook her head. “You’ll have to play for me, or I’m not going to believe it.”  
Author Kelly OramKelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen--a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which her family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and likes to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, four children, and her cat, Mr. Darcy. 
   
Don't miss the latest news from Kelly Oram! Sign up for her newsletter to receive e-mail notifications for all of her new releases, events, sales, & giveaways. This is a monthly newsletter often with exclusive giveaways and freebies from some of her favorite authors.                
Giveaway
Signed copies of V is for Virgin & A is for Abstinence (1 winner, 2 books)Open InternationallyEnds 3/18/16  a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK REVIEW: EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU by Celeste Ng

EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU
Celeste Ng
Penguin Publishing
Adult Historical

Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet . . . So begins the story of this exquisite debut novel, about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favorite child of Marilyn and James Lee; their middle daughter, a girl who inherited her mother’s bright blue eyes and her father’s jet-black hair. Her parents are determined that Lydia will fulfill the dreams they were unable to pursue—in Marilyn’s case that her daughter become a doctor rather than a homemaker, in James’s case that Lydia be popular at school, a girl with a busy social life and the center of every party.

When Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together tumbles into chaos, forcing them to confront the long-kept secrets that have been slowly pulling them apart. James, consumed by guilt, sets out on a reckless path that may destroy his marriage. Marilyn, devastated and vengeful, is determined to find a responsible party, no matter what the cost. Lydia’s older brother, Nathan, is certain that the neighborhood bad boy Jack is somehow involved. But it’s the youngest of the family—Hannah—who observes far more than anyone realizes and who may be the only one who knows the truth about what happened.

A profoundly moving story of family, history, and the meaning of home, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, exploring the divisions between cultures and the rifts within a family, and uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.

MY REVIEW: 

Wow. Ng's story about the breaking apart and reconstruction of a family in 1970s San Fransisco after the sudden death of their teenage daughter is powerful in a simple but heart-wrenching way. It examines several themes: racism, sexism, identity, family structure, love, loss. Ng dissects each one with the precision of a surgeon and the tenderness of a mother. A work of art. Beautiful. Breathtaking. Soul-crushing. Loved every page, every word.


CONTENT REVIEW:

Profanity: Mild
Sex:  Moderate
Violence: Moderate
Substance Abuse: Moderate

BOOK REVIEW: THE STORY OF SEEDS by Nancy F. Castaldo

THE STORY OF SEEDS
Nancy Castaldo
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Ages 12 and up

Something as small as a seed can have a worldwide impact. Did you know there are top-secret seed vaults hidden throughout the world? And once a seed disappears, that’s it—it’s gone forever? With the growth of genetically modified foods, the use of many seeds is dwindling—of 80,000 edible plants, only about 150 are being cultivated. With a global cast of men and women, scientists and laypeople, and photographic documentation, Nancy Castaldo chronicles where our food comes from, and more importantly, where it is going as she digs deeper into the importance of seeds in our world. This empowering book also calls young adult readers to action with suggestions as to how they can preserve the variety of one of our most valuable food sources through simple everyday actions. Readers of Michael Pollen will enjoy the depth and fascinatingly intricate social economy of seeds.

MY REVIEW:



Drawing on impressive research and astounding details, Castaldo chronicles the history of seeds and mankind’s efforts to preserve the Earth’s agricultural biodiversity. This is a compilation of many stories—stories of “seed warriors,” people throughout the world who have risked so much to collect and to protect seeds, and stories of many unique varieties of plants and foods. The text includes dozens of colorful pictures and definitions for words relating to agriculture and seeds.
As compelling and complex as any novel, The Story of Seeds is one of the most important books for young readers to be written in years. Every student, teacher, and parent ought to read this book—and then follow the author’s call to action. A must-have addition to every home and classroom library.

LEAP INTO BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP

Welcome to the LEAP INTO BOOK GIVEAWAY HOP hosted by BookHounds. What am I giving away? A middle grade GRAB BAG OF BOOKS! 3 brand new hardbound editions of these titles:

 
A $55.00 value worth of books!!!
To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter form below. The giveaway ends on March 7th. Must be U.S. resident and 18 or older to enter.
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BOOK REVIEW: HOUR OF THE BEES by Lindsay Eager

HOUR OF THE BEES
Lindsay Eager
Candlewick Press
Ages 8 - 12

Things are only impossible if you stop to think about them. . . .

While her friends are spending their summers having pool parties and sleepovers, twelve-year-old Carolina — Carol — is spending hers in the middle of the New Mexico desert, helping her parents move the grandfather she’s never met into a home for people with dementia. At first, Carol avoids prickly Grandpa Serge. But as the summer wears on and the heat bears down, Carol finds herself drawn to him, fascinated by the crazy stories he tells her about a healing tree, a green-glass lake, and the bees that will bring back the rain and end a hundred years of drought. As the thin line between magic and reality starts to blur, Carol must decide for herself what is possible — and what it means to be true to her roots. Readers who dream that there’s something more out there will be enchanted by this captivating novel of family, renewal, and discovering the wonder of the world.

MY REVIEW:



I received Hour of the Bees from the publisher in exchange for an honest review--and I honestly loved this book. It was reminiscent of Missing May by Cynthia Rylant and The Secret Hum of  a Daisy by Tracy Holczer. I found myself turning pages long into the night. A beautiful, heart-warming story about family and what it means to truly believe. Stays with you long after the last page has been read.

DON'T MISS THIS AWESOME BOOK BY Scott & Cindy Marcus!!!

THE BABY BOOMER'S MOTIVATIONAL GUIDE TO WEIGHT LOSS
Scott "Q" Marcus & Cindy Marcus
Acute By Design

The Baby Boomer's Motivational Guide to Weight Loss is not a “diet” book—no recipes will you find among these pages. It is a guide that will teach you how to ask the right questions.  Filled with usable tips, fun activities, fresh insights, and even a laugh or two (as well as countless references to the times in which we grew up), The  Baby Boomer's Motivational Guide to Weight Loss is just that:
a guide—to the body you seek as we live through the prime years of our lives.

I'm so excited for my good friend, Cindy Marcus, and her brother Scott for getting their first book published! Way to go, you guys!!!

You can pick up your copy right HERE !!!

INTERVIEW WITH CINDY MARCUS:

Question: Cindy, do you need to be a boomer to read this book?    Answer:  No. You don't need to be a boomer to read this book. The tips and ideas for weight loss are applicable to anyone wanting to lose weight. Whatever your age.
Question: What if I'm not dieting? I'm good with my weight. Do I still want this book?    Answer: First, I really want to commend you on your happy body-ness. Go you!  That's amazing. And how inspiring.  Keep up the good work. As it turns out Baby Boomers is also a really fun book. Lots of games and exercises you can do that will help you to get motivated in whatever direction your dreams take you. In addition to Baby Boomer's Guide, please let me send you a spelling book.
Question: Why is this book called a Boomer book? Are the pages wrinkled and yellowing?    Answer: Baby Boomer is called Baby Boomer cause it takes Boomers on a walk down memory lane, which should help Boomers lose weight, cause it's exercise. 

COVER REVEAL: PROPOSAL & POISON by Rachelle J. Christensen

 Proposals and Poison, Wedding Planner Mysteries book #3 Rachelle J. Christensen “Cozy mystery meets romantic comedy in this fabulous, fast-paced story.” Cami Checketts author of The Resilient One, A Billionaire Bride Pact Romance Love can be a very dangerous thing. At least it seems that way to Adri Pyper, the premier wedding planner in Sun Valley, Idaho. When one of her clients dies mysteriously, Adri takes the advice of the local detective and swears she will stay out of the investigation . . . this time. Luke Stetson's involvement in the case, along with the possibility of a kiss between the two, should be enough incentive to keep Adri out of trouble. But when a dog-themed wedding is almost ruined by a suspect, Adri and her assistant, Lorea, are thrust into private eye mode. When poison enters the picture, even a reluctant sleuth can’t steer clear of danger.   “Packed with danger and romance, intrigue and entertainment, Rachelle Christensen's Wedding Planner series is romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages late into the night!” --Maria Hoagland, Author of The ReModel Marriage (Romance Renovations series)  Author Rachelle J. ChristensenRachelle is a mother of five who writes mystery/suspense, nonfiction, and women’s fiction. She solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She enjoys raising chickens and laughing with her husband. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. Rachelle is the award-winning author of ten books, including The Soldier’s Bride (a Kindle Scout Selection), Wrong Number, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, and Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology. Her novella, “Silver Cascade Secrets,” was included in the Rone Award–winning Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection. Rachelle has a VIP mailing list where all subscribers get access to free books, guides, and other resources. Sign up now to hear what exciting news Rachelle has to share. http://eepurl.com/eFD3oWebsite * Facebook * Twitter Series endorsements“Mystery, suspense, murder and romance all intriguingly tied together in one very fun walk-down-the-aisle cozy mystery!”—Shauna Wheelwright, reviewer “I love a great mystery that keeps my interest and keeps the pages turning. I loved the Hawaiian setting, that was a character on its own. As the story progressed, I enjoyed where the author went with the mystery, doing a perfect job of planting the right amount of seeds to try to throw me off the trail of who the killer was.”—Mindy Holt, reviewer   Giveaway Details $25 cash giveaway plus an ebook bundle of the Wedding Planner Mystery Books 1 & 2. (gifted via Amazon) Ends 3/3/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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BOOK REVIEW: SANCTUM by Madeleine Roux

SANCTUM
Madeleine Roux
HarperCollins
Ages14-17

The past is back to haunt them.

Dan, Abby, and Jordan remain traumatized by the summer they shared in the Brookline asylum. Much as they'd love to move on, someone is determined to keep the terror alive, sending the teens photos of an old-timey carnival, with no note and no name. Finally, Dan receives a list of coordinates pointing to abandoned houses in the town near Brookline, and he is convinced that the only way to end this nightmare once and for all is to return to New Hampshire College and follow the trail.

But when Dan and his friends arrive under the guise of a prospective students' weekend, they discover that the carnival from their photos isn't just real, it's here on campus—it has returned for the first time in many years. And as they sneak away from their undergrad hosts to visit the houses on their list, they find secrets far darker than anything they'd imagined.

In this thrilling and creepy sequel to the New York Times bestselling Asylum, found photographs from real vintage carnivals help tell the story of three teens who exist on the line between past and present, genius and insanity.

MY REVIEW:

I read Roux's first book in this series, Asylum, and loved it. Loved it enough to buy book 2 the moment it came out in paperback. Dan and his friends return to the college near Brookline, hunting down a list of addresses provided by the now-hospitalized psycho murderer from book 1. Dan keeps having these weird visions of the Warden's life as he uncovers his sinister childhood and later research into mind control.

While Sanctum was a great read on its own, it lacked the strength and tension of Asylum. I kept waiting for someone to die. Eventually, things picked up and got a little gory (which was great) but it took just a tad too long to set everything up. And I just didn't feel completely satisfied when it was all over.

Having said that, is Sanctum worth reading? Absolutely yes! It is a strong YA horror novel with just enough mystery and blood-letting to make the ride worth-while. I just might pick up book 3, Catacomb, to see what happens next. I've kind of gotten attached to Dan and his buddies.

Overall, I give Sanctum:



CONTENT REVIEW:

Profanity:  Mild
Sexuality:  Mild
Violence:  High