Shannon Messenger's Blog, page 35

Third Printing FTW!

AHHH!! I just found out that KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES has gone into its THIRD printing!!!! 


I can't even... 
I mean, that's just... 
WOW. 
THANK YOU so much for all of your awesome love and support!!! Things like this would not be happening without you guys! *smooshy hugs all around*

MMGM Links (4/1/13)

Since today is still kinda a holiday--and I'm still recovering from a VERY busy week of events and deadlines--I don't have an MMGM today. But I'm hoping to get something together next week. And in the meantime, I have the links:

- Stephanie Robinson and Jessica Haight are joining the MMGM fun with a feature on the audiobook of THE DELIVERERS: SHARKY AND THE JEWEL--plus a paperback giveaway! Click HERE for details. 

- Natalie Aguirre is interviewing author KIMBERLY GRIFFITHS LITTLE and giving away an ARC of WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES COME. Click HERE for all the fun 

- Sue Heavenrich is feeling chills for LENNY CYRUS, SCHOOL VIRUS. Click HERE to see why. 

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends ONE FOR THE MURPHYS. Click HERE to see what that's all about.  

- Andrea Mack is caught up in NEIL FLAMBE AND THE CRUSADER'S CURSE. Click HERE to see what she thought.  

- Janet Smart is championing A SEASON OF GIFTS. Click HERE for her review.  

- Chelanne Green is spreading the love for WATSON'S GO TO BIRMINGHAM. Click HERE to see why. 

- Mark Baker is rooting for HENRY AND RIBSY. Click HERE to see why he thinks this classic still holds up. 

- Dorine White is singing praises for HASHBROWN WINTERS AND THE WHIZ-TASTROPHE. Click HERE to see what she thought.  

- Laurisa White Reyes is gushing about SUMMER OF THE MARIPOSAS. Click HERE for her thoughts. 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is reviewing ODETTE'S SECRETS and THE FOURTH STALL PART III--with a GIVEAWAY of THE FOURTH STALL. Click HERE for details.   

- Michael Gettel-Gilmarten is championing WHERE THE BAD KIDS GO. Click HERE to see why.

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.  

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week. 

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

Upcoming Events!!!

Hey Guys!

Just a quick reminder about some awesome things happening this week--one of which is TONIGHT!


Mysterious Galaxy Signing & Panel Wednesday, March 27th, 7:00 pmMysterious Galaxy Books
7051 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite #302 San Diego, CA 92111
858-268-4747Yes--it's true. Mysterious Galaxy is hosting me again. And I'm SUPER excited for this one! I'll be speaking and signing along with my awesome agent-mate Chris Howard (ROOTLESS) and the lovely and talented Debra Driza (MILA 2.0). And Robin Benway will be hosting us as the moderator!!! Come hang out with us, I predict epicness. I mean, Chris has a British accent and Debra has pink in her hair--need I say more???


Torrance High School Author FairFriday, March 29th, 10:00 amTorrance High SchoolNot sure if this is a private or public event--but either way, I'll be there, along with a bunch of amazing authors!


YAppiest Day On EarthSaturday, March 30th, 8:00 amDISNEYLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(If you can't tell, I'm excited about this one!!!)Sixteen young adult authors will spend the day at Disneyland, hanging out with YOU. To participate, meet the authors inside the gates of Disneyland at 8:00 AM on March 30th. Or, if you can't make it to the park you can always join us at the book signing at 5:30 PM at the Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Ave. Those too far away to participate may order books to be autographed through Mysterious Galaxy’s website at http://mystgalaxy.com/. Participating authors include: Elise Allen, Carrie Arcos, Sean Beaudoin, Jennifer Bosworth, Martha Brockenbrough, Cecil Castellucci, Rachel Cohn, Kevin Emerson, Chris Howard, Lish McBride, Gretchen McNeil, Robin Mellom, Shannon Messenger, Cat Patrick, Kasie West, and Gabrielle Zevin. The day will be tweeted live by participating authors and fans, using the hashtag #YAPPIEST. For more details, go HERE.
Hope to see some of you guys there. If not, I'll try to tweet/FB/Instagram/Tumblr photos!!!

MMGM Links (3/25/13)

Sorry guys--copyedits on LTSF 2 and 1st Pass on KEEPER 2 kinda killed my week (dual deadlines are intense). So alas, no MMGM today.

But before I get to the links, I have a winner to announce! The winner of DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE is...

Mark Baker
Yay!!!! If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your address. 
Okay, on to the links!

- Annie McMahon is featuring two books this week: VIN AND THE DORKY DUET and DEWI AND THE SEEDS OF DOOM. Click HERE to see what she thought.

- Shari Larsen is sharing her thoughts on... whoa... MY book. Click HERE to see her review of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES.    

- Dorine White is captivated by THE SILVER DOOR. Click HERE to see what she thought. 

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are championing THE SECRET OF THE FORTUNE WOOKIE--with a SIGNED book giveaway! Click HERE for all the details.

- Mark Baker is spreading the love for ME AND THE PUMPKIN QUEEN. Click HERE to see why. 

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends EAT FRIED WORMS. Click HERE to see what that's all about. 

- Jennifer Rumberger is caught up in DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE. Click HERE to see her review. 

- Laurisa White Reyes is celebrating MIRAGE. Click HERE for her thoughts. 

- Barbara Watson has flutters for WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME--with an ARC Giveaway! Click HERE for details.

- Rosi Hollinbeck is cheering for THE TREEKEEPRS--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details.  

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.  

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week.   

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

Bookanista Feature: Upcoming Reads!

Don't go into shock, but I actually have a Bookanista feature!!!!!

I know, I can't believe how long it's been. Between deadlines and travel I just don't have as much reading time as I'd like. BUT, I miss spreading book love. So I thought I'd take a few minutes today to give a quick shout-out to three books I'm SUPER exited about:

#1

17 & Gone, by Nova Ren Suma

Seventeen-year-old Lauren is having visions of girls who have gone missing. And all these girls have just one thing in common—they are 17 and gone without a trace. As Lauren struggles to shake these waking nightmares, impossible questions demand urgent answers: Why are the girls speaking to Lauren? How can she help them? And… is she next? As Lauren searches for clues, everything begins to unravel, and when a brush with death lands her in the hospital, a shocking truth emerges, changing everything.

With complexity and richness, Nova Ren Suma serves up a beautiful, visual, fresh interpretation of what it means to be lost.



I have heard NOTHING but amazing things about this book and I am dying to read. THANKFULLY I don't have to wait much longer. It just released into the world on Tuesday and my pre-ordered copy is on the way. Hurry up, UPS. *NEEDS*

#2

GOLDEN, by Jessi Kirby

Seventeen-year-old Parker Frost has never taken the road less traveled. Valedictorian and quintessential good girl, she’s about to graduate high school without ever having kissed her crush or broken the rules. So when fate drops a clue in her lap—one that might be the key to unraveling a town mystery—she decides to take a chance.

Julianna Farnetti and Shane Cruz are remembered as the golden couple of Summit Lakes High—perfect in every way, meant to be together forever. But Julianna’s journal tells a different story—one of doubts about Shane and a forbidden romance with an older, artistic guy. These are the secrets that were swept away with her the night that Shane’s jeep plunged into an icy river, leaving behind a grieving town and no bodies to bury.

Reading Julianna’s journal gives Parker the courage to start to really live—and it also gives her reasons to question what really happened the night of the accident. Armed with clues from the past, Parker enlists the help of her best friend, Kat, and Trevor, her longtime crush, to track down some leads. The mystery ends up taking Parker places that she never could have imagined. And she soon finds that taking the road less traveled makes all the difference.

I was lucky enough to snag an ARC of GOLDEN at a SCIBA event Jessi and I did together last month, and have been desperate to find time to read ever since (stupid deadlines). But I will be reading SOON. Not only do I LOVE Jessi's other books, but, I mean, how  AWESOME does that description sound? 

#3
REBOOT, by Amy Tintera

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

Yet another book I've heard nothing but amazing things about. And that description makes it sound SO COOL. I'm not usually a sci-fi thriller kind of girl, but this sounds right up my alley . I can't believe I have to wait all the way until May 7 to buy my copy. Le siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh. 

What about you guys--any upcoming releases you're especially excited about?

Also, for more awesome book recommendations, be sure to check out what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:




Tracy Banghart revels in ROMEO REDEEMED by Stacey JayCorrine Jackson is redeemed by HOPELESS by Colleen HooverJessica Love gets lost in TAKEN by Erin BowmanStasia Ward Kehoe connects writers with WriteOnConShannon Messenger celebrates upcoming spring reads

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: The Chronicles of Egg: Deadweather and Sunrise, by Geoff Rodkey--plus a GIVEAWAY!

As I promised last week, I finally have an MMGM again!!!

In fact, today I'm hosting a stop on the Chronicles of Egg Blog Tour--something I *usually* don't do, since blog tours tend to require more organization and time than I have these days. (stupid deadlines!) But I met Geoff Rodkey last year at an amazing event called Tweens Read, and after seeing how hilarious he was--and hearing him talk about his awesome book (which I was dying to read)--I decided to take part, and I'm SO glad I did. It forced me to finally make time to read DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE and holy action-packed adventure, Batman!

Here's how the publisher describes it:

It's tough to be thirteen, especially when somebody's trying to kill you. 

Not that Egg's life was ever easy, growing up on sweaty, pirate-infested Deadweather Island with no company except an incompetent tutor and a pair of unusually violent siblings who hate his guts. 

But when Egg's father hustles their family off on a mysterious errand to fabulously wealthy Sunrise Island, then disappears with the siblings in a freak accident, Egg finds himself a long-term guest at the mansion of the glamorous Pembroke family and their beautiful, sharp-tongued daughter Millicent. Finally, life seems perfect. 

Until someone tries to throw him off a cliff 

Suddenly, Egg's running for his life in a bewildering world of cutthroat pirates, villainous businessmen, and strange Native legends. The only people who can help him sort out the mystery of why he's been marked for death are Millicent and a one-handed, possibly deranged cabin boy. 

Come along for the ride. You'll be glad you did.

Sounds awesome, right? Well I can assure you, IT IS. But I won't ramble about it anymore than that because I actually have a guest post from the author himself to share with you guys as part of the tour. Plus I have an extra-fabulous 2-book giveaway below, so make sure you read until the end! And now, I'll let Geoff take it away!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOT FUNNY AT ALL: THE REAL HISTORY OF THE PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
The adventure-comedy-mystery-romance Deadweather and Sunrise takes place in an imagined universe that's loosely based on the world of the Caribbean Sea during what's known as the Golden Age of Piracy.

When I first had the idea that led to Deadweather and the rest of the Chronicles of Egg trilogy, I considered making it not-so-loosely based, and setting the story in the actual, historical Caribbean Sea circa 1700.

Then I did some research, and I quickly realized I had to make the whole thing up.

Because as romantic and entertaining as swashbuckling pirates and sun-drenched islands might seem from a distance, the truth is there was nothing romantic, and even less that was funny, about that entire era.

Take the pirates themselves. They weren't charming like Johnny Depp. And they didn't make people walk the plank. That actually would have been merciful. What real pirates liked to do was torture their victims using techniques like "woolding" -- which sounds pretty tame until you realize it refers to tying a knotted rope around someone's head and twisting it with a stick until the victim's eyes burst out of their skull.

Real pirates also liked to flog victims until their skin fell off, then dunk them in salt water. And they got a particular kick out of setting fire to people. But not the whole person. Just selected parts of their bodies. (Those parts? Yes. Those parts.)

And the truly amazing thing? A lot of these guys turned pirate after first getting press-ganged into the British Navy…and deciding life on a British naval ship was too violent for them.

Soooo…not exactly fertile ground for an adventure-comedy. Adventure, yes. Comedy? Not so much.

Although a lot of my research did find its way into the books. For example, the mountain made entirely of silver? That really existed. It was called Potosi, and at one point its riches were almost singlehandedly financing the entire Spanish Empire. Here's a picture:
The picture actually makes it look kind of charming. But it wasn't. No offense to the Spanish, but working the mine at Potosi was no picnic.

And if you look closely at the bottom left corner of the picture? I'm pretty sure that's a severed head. On a stick.

That didn't make it into the book, either.



Find Geoff Rodkey online WebsiteTwitterChronicles of Egg official Website
Buy DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE:AmazonBarnes & NobleIndiebound


***Please visit There's a Bookfor the final stop on The Chronicles of Egg Blog Tour!.***
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Giveaway time!!!(and dude--it's a seriously awesome giveaway)
One lucky winner will win a SIGNED paperback of THE CHRONICLES OF EGG: DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE *and* a SIGNED ARC of THE CHRONICLES OF EGG Book 2: NEW LANDS (which doesn't come out until May 2!) 
To enter simply leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm (pacific) on Sunday March 24th. I'll choose one random winner and post their name on Monday, March 25th. US and Canada residents only, please!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And for more awesome middle grade recommendations, check out the other MMGM's floating around the blogosphere:

- Annie McMahon is featuring *blush* KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES!! (That will never stop being surreal!). Click HERE to see what she thought.

 - Shari Larsen is awed by THE AGE OF MIRACLES. Click HERE to see why.   

- Andrea Mack has chills for THE GRAVEROBBER'S APPRENTICE. Click HERE for her review.

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends A HOUSE CALLED AWFUL END. Click HERE to see what that's all about.   

- Susan Olson is spreading the love for BESWITCHED. Click HERE to learn more 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is also featuring DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details.  

- Katie Fitzgerald is cheering for LATASHA AND THE KIDD ON KEYS. Click HERE for her review. 

- Laurisa White Reyes is celebrating PLASTIC POLLY--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details 

- Dorine White is singing praises for MICHAEL VEY: THE PRISONER OF CELL 25. Click HERE to see what she thought. 

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week. 

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week.    

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.       

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

MMGM Links (3/11/13)

Still recovering from LET THE SKY FALL's launch week (thank you ALL for the love and support) so once again I have no MMGM. But I promise I will have a feature next week. And in the meantime, I have the links!

- Michael Gettel-Gilmarten is sweet on ALMOST HOME. Click HERE to see his review. 

- Barbara Watson is cheering for PLASTIC POLLY--with an ARC giveaway! Click HERE to see her review. 

- Mrs. Heise is caught up in BOT WARS. Click HERE to see what she thought. 

- Sue Heavenrich is singing praises for A VOICE OF HER OWN: THE STORY OF PHILLIS WHEATLEY, SLAVE POET. Click HERE to see her feature. 

- Katie Fitzgerald is spreading the love for MY SUMMER OF PINK AND GREEN. Click HERE for her review. 

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends CAPTAIN NOBODY. Click HERE to see what that's all about. 

- Faith Hough is championing NAVIGATING EARLY. Click HERE to see what she thinks. 

- Kim Aippersbach is fan a new fan of THE OGRE DOWNSTAIRS. Click HERE for her feature. 

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are gushing about POWERLESS: DANIEL CORRIGAN #1. Click HERE to see what these two middle grade readers thought of it.   

- Laurisa White Reyes is the next stop on THE CHRONICLES OF EGG blog tour. Click HERE for all the fun (and a GIVEAWAY). 

- Alex Baugh is reviewing THE TERRIBLE THING THAT HAPPENED TO BARNABY BROCKET. Click HERE to read more. 

- Chelanne Green has fallen for FAIREST. Click HERE to see why.

- Rosi Hollinbeck has a guest post with author Joyce Magnin--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details. 

- Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.     

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week.    

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.   

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

The Sky is Officially Falling!!!

Wow--I can't believe this day is finally here!!!

I mean, I knew it was coming. I watched the numbers on my countdown widget slowly tick down to today. And I just did this five months ago with KEEPER, so you'd think I'd be more prepared for the nervous/excited/giddy/overwhelmed feeling that comes with launching a book into the world. But LET THE SKY FALL is ... special.

This was my "just for me" book. A project I started simply because I needed to fall back in love with writing. I had no plans to publish it. I didn't even tell anyone I was writing it. But the story kept growing, and the characters were so real, and the world became so vivid that I eventually reached the point where I felt like I HAD to share it--and amazingly enough, my agent and editor agreed.

Fast-forward to today, and suddenly the book I initially wrote "just for me" is now no longer mine.

That's the beautiful, magical, terrifying thing about this process. Once a book launches into the world it no longer belongs to the author. We had our time to play and explore and dream. Now it's time to hand it over to you. So... *sniffles* ... here you go...


I hope you love Vane and Audra as much as I do. And I hope their story lives up to the amazing support you all have given it.

There's no possible way to express my gratitude for everyone who's blogged / tweeted / tumbled / pinned / facebooked about their excitement for this book. Nor will I EVER be able to properly thank my amazing publisher, Simon Pulse, who have not only given it the most gorgeous cover ever (seriously, holy hotness, Batman!) but who have given so much love and energy to this project.

And to any of you who buy/read, or tell your friends that they need to buy/read, well... imagine this is me, hugging you:



A book is nothing without readers. Thank you so much for giving this story life! And if you're still on the fence about buying/reading, well... I give you THE PUPPY DOG EYES:



Also: if you're in SoCal, PLEASE come hang out tonight at the Launch Party. I will have prizes! And exclusive swag necklaces! And DESSERTS! 7pm at Mysterious Galaxy Books, San Diego. Full event details HERE.

MMGM Links (3/4/13)

Given that I spent the last 4 days at the AMAZING Big Sur Writers Workshop (so surreal being faculty this time!) and that LTSF releases tomorrow (how is that possible????) I definitely have no MMGM today. But I did put together the links! (Though warning, my brain is barely functioning after the looooooooong drive home, so it's possible I missed someone or messed up a link or two. Sorry in advance!)
But before we get to that--I have a winner to announce! The winner of THE CLASSROOM is...
Barbara Watson!
Yay!!!! If that's you, please email me at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com with your address. 
Okay, on to the links!

- Julie DeGuia has a review from her 9-year-old daughter of... KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES!!! (eeeee!) Click HERE to see what she thought! 

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are raving about THE SISTERS GRIMM: THE FAIRY-TALE DETECTIVES. Click HERE to see what these two middle grade readers thought of it.    

- Shari Larsen is cheering for FINN FINNEGAN. Click HERE to read her thoughts.    

- Natalie Aguirre has a special guest post from the author of MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE--with a giveaway. Click HERE for details. 

- Akossiwa Ketoglo is  swooning over DEADWEATHER AND SUNRISE--with a giveaway! Click HERE to see her review.

- Danika Dinsmore is intrigued with LIAR AND SPY. Click HERE to see why.   

- Katie Fitzgerald is spreading the love for THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING. Click HERE for her review.  

- Janet Smart is showcasing EVERYTHING ON A WAFFLE. Click HERE to see why. 

- Rosi Hollinbeck is featuring CAKE: LOVE, CHICKENS, AND A TASTE OF THE PECULIAR--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details.  

- Andrea Mack is gushing about THE DEAD KID DETECTIVE AGENCY. Click HERE to see what she thought.  

 - Michael Gettel-Gilmarten is raving over FOURMILE. Click HERE to see his review.   

- 8-year-old Lucy is talking about WHEN THE BUTTERFLIES CAME. Click HERE to see why.

- Dorine White is interviewing author MaryAnn MacDonald Click HERE to read 

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends HOLES. Click HERE to see what that's all about.  

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week.    

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.  

 - Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.     

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday: EXCLUSIVE Extras from The Classroom: Student Council Smackdown!--plus a GIVEAWAY!

WOO HOO--as promised, I actually have MMGM today (extra amazing considering I'm currently flying back from Kansas City, MS, after an awesome weekend at Winter Institute. Hotel WiFi FTW!). And since I wanted to come back with a bang after my prolonged absence, I'm back with some EXCLUSIVE extras from a super-fun series!!!!

Not sure if you guys have discovered Robin Mellom's THE CLASSROOM series yet--but if you haven't, TODAY IS THE DAY. Book 1 (The Epic Documentary of a Not-Yet-Epic Kid) came out last year, and book 2 is getting ready to launch into the world in June.

I could tell you more about the series, but I think the awesome trailer does a way better job than I can:


And if you're still doubting its fabulousness, I think the artwork for the covers say it all:

I mean, isn't that art just AWESOME? I love it so much.
And here's how the publisher describes book 2:
Libby Gardner and Cindy Applegate are smile-without-teeth friends, but they are fierce rivals when it comes to politics. Cindy owned the student council elections in fourth and sixth grades, while Libby came out on top in fifth. Now, they both hunger for the prestigious title of seventh grade class president.

But middle school elections have their own rules...and pressures. When Trevor Jones is forced to join the presidential race, he devises a plan to make sure his best friend Libby wins. That all changes when he discovers that Libby has oh-so-sneakily gone behind his back by hiring Molly Decker to be her campaign manager. Now, he's in it to win it. And things are going to get ugly.

Join Trevor, Libby, Cindy, and the whole Westside contingency (along with the documentary film crew) as they explore the ugly underbelly of middle school politics.
I'll be honest, I have yet to read the awesome book 2 yet, given that, well, it's not out till JUNE (le siiiiiigh). BUT, I've been so excited about it that I was gushing about it to the author and next thing I knew, she'd sent me two awesome sneak peeks of what's inside. And I am super excited that I get to share them exclusively with you. BEHOLD:




Even better? I ALSO have a copy of book 1 (The Epic Documentary of a Not-Yet-Epic kid) to give away today to one lucky winner!!!!!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm (Pacific time) on Sunday, March 3rd. I'll draw one random winner and post their name along with the MMGM round-up on Monday, March 4th. International entries welcome!

AND WAIT--THERE'S ONE MORE AWESOME THING!!!!

Robin also has a super-cool contest going on over at her blog where she's giving away a BUNCH of cool things. So make sure you hop over THERE and check that out!

And for more awesome middle grade recs, check out the other MMGMs floating around the blogosphere (and warning, thanks to the aforementioned traveling, if you got your link to me late last night it's probably not here. I'm on midwest time right now and couldn't stay up late):

- Brenda Tjaden joins the MMGM fun with a feature on THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE: THE STRANGERS. Click HERE to read her review 

 - Shari Larsen is chatting up GABRIEL STONE AND THE DIVINITY OF VALTA. Click HERE to read her thoughts.   

- Barbara Watson is feeling blissful for BLISS. Click HERE to read her feature.

- Michael Gettel-Gilmarten has chills for ICEFALL. Click HERE to see his review. 

- Flash, the Feline Extraordinaire, (and Professional Mews to Cindy Strandvold) recommends MY VERY UNFAIRY TALE LIFE and interviews the author and the main character. Click HERE to see what that's all about.  

- Brennan and Meyrick Murphy are cheering for DISNEY AT DAWN: KINGDOM KEEPERS #2. Click HERE to see what these two middle grade readers thought of it.    

- Katie Fitzgerald is sweet on THE CANDY SMASH. Click HERE for her review. 

- Andrea Mack's heart is treasuring UNGIFTED. Click HERE to read her thoughts.  

- Mark Baker is gushing about the Trixie Belden Mystery Series. Click HERE to see why he loves them. 

- Kim Aippersbach is cheering for LIAR AND SPY. Click HERE to see her review.  

- Danika Dinsmore is championing THE SWEET REVENGE OF CELIA DOOR. Click HERE to see why.  

- Rosi Hollinbeck is featuring BITOPIA--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details. 

- 8-year-old Lucy is feeling the love for LAWLESS. Click HERE to see why.

- Dorine White is singing praises for THE GENIUS FILES BOOK 3: YOU ONLY DIE TWICE. Click HERE to see what she thought.

- Laurisa White Reyes is interviewing author Ally Malinenko--with a GIVEAWAY. Click HERE for details 

- Rebecca Behrens is feeling magical about SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE. Click HERE to see why. 

- The Mundie Moms are always part of the MMGM fun (YAY!). Click HERE to see their newest recommendations. And if you aren't also following their Mundie Kids site, get thee over THERE and check out all the awesome!    

- The lovely Shannon O'Donnell always has an MMGM ready for you! Click HERE to see what she's featuring this week!

- Karen Yingling also always has some awesome MMGM recommendations for you. Click HERE to which ones she picked this time!   

- Pam Torres always has an MMGM up on her blog. Click HERE to see what she's spotlighting this week.    

- Michelle Isenhoff is always part of the MMGM fun. Click HERE to see what she's talking about today.  

 - Joanne Fritz always has an MMGM for you. Click HERE to see what she's talking about this week.     

If you would like to join in the MMGM fun, all you have to do is blog about a middle grade book you love (contests, author interviews and whatnot also count--but are most definitely not required) and email me the title of the book you're featuring and a link to your blog at SWMessenger (at) hotmail (dot) com. (Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so I see it)
NOTE: I used to not have a cut-off time for adding links to the post, but with how insane my schedule is right now, if you don't email me by Sunday evening (usually around 11pm PST is when I put the links together) I can't guarantee I'll have a chance to add you. BUT, you are welcome to add your link in the comments on this post so people can find you!

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen posts ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me ahead of time