Blog Tour: Top Ten with Marit Weisenberg author of Select Few

Blog Tour

About the Book

After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, John--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.

With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different. . . and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for SELECT FEW

“...mixing mystery with science fiction with a heaping dose of romance." ―Kirkus Reviews

"...a page-turning adventure." ―School Library Connection  

Ten Favorite Book Covers Ever 

with author Marit Weisenberg 

• A Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 
• Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon 
• Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 
• We are Okay by Nina LaCour 
• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy 
• The Most Dangerous Place on Earth by Lindsey Lee Johnson 
• Pachinko by Min Jin Lee 
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 
• All We Ever Wanted Was Everything by Janelle Brown 
• Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

About the Author

Marit Weisenberg received her BA in English from Bowdoin College and her Master’s Degree from UCLA's school of Theater, Film and Television. She has worked in film and television development at Warner Brothers, Universal, and Disney. She lives in Austin with her husband and two daughters.

Marit’s debut YA novel was Select, and she worked on the first draft of the book over the course of eighteen months during Amanda Eyre Ward’s class ‘Write a Novel in a Year.’ As of now, there are two books in The Select series.  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM MARIT WEISENBERG

Find the Author

WEBSITE /TWITTER /GOODREADS /FACEBOOK /INSTAGRAM

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

-  5 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of Select Few (Select #2) by Marit Weisenberg.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Early Reader Review: A Valentine for Frankenstein by Leslie Kimmelman

Source: From Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

A Valentine for Frankenstein by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Timothy Banks
Publisher:  Carolrhoda Books
Publication Date:  November 1, 2018

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

Frankenstein isn't your typical monster. For starters, he only has one head, just two eyes, and no tail. And worst of all, he's sort of nice! Frankenstein quickly realizes his friendly behavior is out of place at the Valentine's Day Bash.

There's one monster, though, who likes that Frankenstein is different. Can Frankenstein figure out the identity of his secret valentine? And can the other monsters finally accept Frankenstein for the monster that he is?

Review: 
Yay for Halloween themed books... or is this one Valentine's day ... oh well doesn't matter! This youth book is about a young Frankenstein who is going to a valentine party. While he is very nice to everyone, no one is really nice to him and he is surprised to find a valentine in his pocket. Now he wonders who left it.

This was a vibrant kids book and it was really fun to read. The monsters are all very creative looking and I think kids will really get a kick out of them, but the book also has an important message about always being nice even when others are not which was very nice. Overall this was a great book and I love Halloween things, even though this is also Valentine's Day - it was a great mash up. 

My only issue... is that this main character is Frankenstein's monster, not Frankenstein... this mistake bothers me to no end but I will take a deep breath and calm myself because it is just a children's book. 

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway! LuLu the Broadway mouse by Jenna Gavigan

Blog Tour

 

About the Book

Ratatouille meets Broadway in this charming new middle grade novel about a little mouse with big dreams.

Lulu is a little girl with a very big dream: she wants to be on Broadway. She wants it more than anything in the world. As it happens, she lives in Broadway's Shubert Theatre; so achieving her dream shouldn't be too tricky, right? Wrong. Because the thing about Lulu? She's a little girl mouse.

When a human girl named Jayne joins the cast of the show at the Shubert as an understudy, Lulu becomes Jayne's guide through the world of her theatre and its wonderfully kooky cast and crew. Together, Jayne and Lulu learn that sometimes dreams turn out differently than we imagined; sometimes they come with terms and conditions (aka the company mean girl, Amanda). But sometimes, just when we've given up all hope, bigger and better dreams than we'd ever thought could come true, do.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for LULU THE BROADWAY MOUSE

"Preteens who are star-struck for Broadway will enjoy the drama." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Jenna Gavigan is a true Broadway baby whose backstage debut novel will delight theater kids of all ages (and species)!" ―Tim Federle, author of Better Nate than Ever

"A standing ovation for Lulu! This delightful debut serves up a sweet and sassy mouse's-eye view of life in the footlights from a real Broadway insider. Encore, please?" ―Heather Vogel Frederick, author of the Spy Mice, the Mother-Daughter Book Club, and the Pumpkin Falls Mystery series

"Jenna manages to capture the drama and tension and excitement of the theatre without ever losing the magic and joy of what it feels like to be on Broadway. Lulu's burning desire to be onstage was exactly how I felt when I was younger, and reading this book reawakened that feeling in me!" ―Tony nominee Jonathan Groff

About the Author

Jenna Gavigan, a fourth generation New Yorker, grew up dreaming of Broadway. At age sixteen she made her Broadway debut in Gypsy, opposite Bernadette Peters. Since then she's appeared in a half-dozen films, on more than a dozen television shows, and on east and west coast stages, most recently Off-Broadway in the world premiere of Straight. Jenna graduated from Columbia University with a BA in Creative Writing, where she focused on fiction, television, and screenwriting. She lives in a teeny tiny Manhattan apartment with her husband, Kevin. This is her first novel.

PHOTO CONTENT FROM JENNA GAVIGAN

Find the Author

WEBSITE /TWITTER / GOODREADS /INSTAGRAM

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

5 Winners will receive a Copy of LULU THE BROADWAY MOUSE by Jenna Gavigan.

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Building the Book Pile #277

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Sorry this is late... busy busy busy.

I can't believe that October is almost over! Where did it go?! I feel like we just got into fall, but it is racing by.

Over the past week, I have:

• Done a bunch of school work and am mentally exhausted. And my midterm is due this week :/
• Finished a few Graphic Novels and MG books
• Posted loads of things on the blog - hope you are loving the giveaways that go with those.
• Attended a Halloween Party :)
• Been working some overtime to help Formula Hybrid while they are in the middle of hiring a new Coordinator. This is a college competition for Hybrid and Electric cars built by students. 
• If this interests you (shameless plug) follow us on Social Media - FB, Twitter, Insta.

I think that is it... but it is a lot I know... I have been SUPER busy!  

If you enjoy the blog and want to share some love and caffeine, you can buy me a coffee (IT IS PUMPKIN SPICE SEASON NOW!!! om nomnom) via Ko-fi

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog! 
   

   

Coming up on the Blog

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway: Lulu the Broadway Mouse by Jenna Gavigan (MG)

Early Reader Review: A Valentine for Frankenstein by Lesle Kimmelman (Youth)

Blog Tour: Top Ten List from Marti Weisenberg author of Select Few (YA)

October 2018 Re-Cap

TBR Pile: November 2018

Early Reader Review: Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri (Youth)

Books Received this Week

   

For Review:
Watersnakes by Tony Sandoval from Netgalley and Lion Forge for review.
Astronomy for Kids by Bruce Betts from Callisto Publishers Club for review consideration
30-Minute Cooking for Two by Taylor Ellingson from Callisto Publishers Club for review consideration


   
Have you missed anything lately?

Week of October 21 - October 27
Early Reader Review: Hellicious Volume 1 by Mina Elwell (GN)- 4 stars
Blog Blast w/ Giveaway! Archivos by Dan Robison (Writing Program)
Blog Tour w/ Review: Finchosaurus by Gail Donovan (MG) - 4 stars
Trailer Reveal w/ Giveaway! The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner (YA)
Blog Blast w/ Giveaway!  The Oracle of Doom by D.J. MacHale (MG)

 

Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up/ STS/ Weekly...anything, post and I will happily stop by and say hello!

Happy Reading!

Blog Blast w. Giveaway! Oracle of Doom by D. J. MacHale

Tour Page

About the Book

Check out a book and read your future. . . . It’s another page-turning adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author D. J. MacHale!

Marcus is an agent of the Library, a place filled with tales that don’t have an ending. Puzzles that won’t be solved until Marcus and his friends step in to finish them. This time it’s their own stories at stake.

Theo just visited the Oracle Baz, an old amusement-park machine that spits out fortunes for the cost of a quarter. Fun, right? The only problem is, the oracle’s cheap predictions have been coming true . . . and Theo’s fortune says that life as he knows it will end on his fourteenth birthday! Plus, Lu’s cousin, who also went to the oracle, is missing.

Marcus knows where to find help for his friends–the Library. It turns out that the Oracle Baz was a real man who died in a fire long ago. Can a glimpse into the fortune-teller’s past change all their futures?  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for BLACK MOON RISING

“MacHale once again pens a page-turner that adds just the right amount of humor.” —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for SURRENDER THE KEY

“MacHale deftly pulls readers into this page-turning adventure, well-choreographed chapter transitions defying them to put it down.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Readers who love action and adventure, lightened with a bit of humor, will look forward to meeting Marcus, Lu, and Theo again.” —Shelf Awareness  

About the Author

D.J. MacHale is a writer, director, executive producer and creator of several popular television series and movies. As an author, his ten-volume book series: Pendragon: Journal of an Adventure Through Time and Space became a New York Times #1 bestseller.

He was raised in Greenwich, CT where he had several jobs including collecting eggs at a poultry farm; engraving trophies and washing dishes in a steakhouse…in between playing football and running track. D.J. graduated from New York University where he received a BFA in film production.

His film-making career began in New York where he worked as a freelance writer/director making corporate videos and television commercials.

D.J. broke into the entertainment business by writing several ABC Afterschool Specials. As co-creator of the popular Nickelodeon series: Are You Afraid of the Dark?, he produced all 91 episodes. D.J. also wrote and directed the movie Tower of Terror for ABC’s Wonderful World of Disney. The Showtime series Chris Cross was co-created, written and produced by D.J. It received the CableAce award for Best Youth Series.

D.J. created and produced the Discovery Kids/NBC television series Flight 29 Down. He wrote every episode and directed several. His work on Flight 29 Down earned him the Writers Guild of America award for Outstanding Children’s Script and a Directors Guild of America award nomination.

Other notable television writing credits include the ABC Afterschool Special titled Seasonal Differences; the pilot for the long-running PBS/CBS series Ghostwriter; and the HBO series Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective for which he received a CableAce nomination for writing.

In print, D.J. also authored the supernatural Morpheus Road trilogy; a whimsical picture book The Monster Princess; and The SYLO Chronicles, a thrilling sci-fi trilogy. He also wrote Voyagers: Project Alpha, the first of a six book science fiction adventure.

D.J.’s newest book series is The Library, a spooky middle-grade anthology about a mysterious library filled with unfinished supernatural tales, and the daring young people who must complete them.

D.J. lives in Southern California with his wife Evangeline and daughter Keaton. They are avid backpackers, scuba divers and skiers. Rounding out the household is a spoiled golden retriever named Casey and an equally spoiled tuxedo cat named Jinx.  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM D.J. MACHALE

Find the Author

WEBSITE / TWITTER /GOODREADS /FACEBOOK /INSTAGRAM

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

3 Winners will receive the Ultimate The Library Swag (Signed Copy of Black Moon Rising, Signed Audio Book of Black Moon Rising and Surrender the Key) from D.J. MacHale.

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Trailer Blast: The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner

Blog Tour

About the Book

I have great power.
That’s what she told me. The old fortune-teller at the school carnival.
I thought I was doing the right thing … with the magic journal she gave me. But nothing could prepare me for what happened next.
Or, for what I unleashed.

At a school carnival, a mysterious fortune-teller gives twelve-year-old Angela Ashby a journal and warns her to use it wisely. Nothing prepares Angela for the journal’s power—when she pours her heart onto its pages her desires come true.

She tests the journal by conjuring a gnome, a unicorn, and a farting fairy and then uses it to stop the school bullies in their tracks. But the unintended consequences alienate her best friend and puts her favorite teacher in danger of losing her job.

After she shares her deepest desire of all—that her parents get back together—her adversary steals the journal, and Angela fears she will use it to bring mayhem to the entire school if she doesn’t get it back.  

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Praise for THE JOURNAL OF ANGELA ASHBY

"Gardner has created a likable character in Angela, who faces off with the class bully in defense of herself and her best friend. Alternately full of sass and seriousness, Angela quickly learns that writing in her new journal may lead to some unintended consequences, some hilarious and some grave. An enjoyable tween romp about the familiar world of bullies mixed with a bit of magic, this one would be great for a class read or group discussion." ―Seattle Book Review

"The Journal of Angela Ashby is a middle grade fiction by Liana Gardner and is perfectly written for the target audience. A combination of magic, childhood troubles, social messages, and the need to think before acting is prevalent, and a lesson well ingrained into the pages, There is some good tension building, injections of humour, and character development. Angela and Mallory make a great team, perfectly complementing each other in the way close friends do. This is certainly a book I will read with my son when he is older, as I think it instills some important lessons and values,much like the old 80's and 90's cartoons used to do. While the book itself has a clear beginning and end, there are hints that a sequel may follow, and it's certainly something I would consider picking up. If you're looking for a story of friendship, childhood problems, and a healthy sprinkling of magic in everyday life, then look no further." ―K.J. Simmill, Award-Winning British Author

"The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner is a charming story of action and consequence. Gardner presents her characters and their problems with an equal touch of magic and reality. This allows the message of the tale to come through while entertaining instead of preaching. Gardner does a great job of taking what could be a clichéd story and putting a few twists in it to keep it fresh and humorous." ―Kris Moger, Readers' Favorite

"The Journal of Angela Ashby is an engaging and fun coming-of-age story about a twelve-year-old girl who is suddenly the possessor of great power. I loved following as Angela began to appreciate her journal's powers and realized the importance of carefully considering everything she wished for.Throughout the story, Gardner addresses the issue of bullies and bullying, which is something all kids and most adults have to deal with at some point, and she shows how Angela learns to differentiate between solving the problem and descending into bullying behavior herself.Gardner also admirably addresses the stress and confusion felt by kids and tweens when their mom and dad get divorced. The Journal of Angela Ashby is a marvelous fantasy that brings up real-life issues without lowering the magic and fun potential for a moment, and Sam Shearon's illustrations really make it all come alive most brilliantly." ―Jack Magnus, Author  

About the Author

Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabeseries. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go.

She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits.

Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.”  

PHOTO CONTENT FROM LIANA GARDNER

Find the Author

WEBSITE /TWITTER /GOODREADS /FACEBOOK /INSTAGRAM

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

- 1 Winner will receive an Award-winning 2017 MG, 7th Grade Revolution Swag (Mugs, Playing Cards, T-Shirts) by Liana Gardner.  

- 1 Winner will receive a $25 Dollar PayPal/Amazon Gift Card.

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Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway! Finchosaurous by Gail Donovan

Tour Info

About the Book

FINCHOSAURUS follows the adventures of Atticus Finch Martin, otherwise known as Finch. Finch’s dream is to uncover a dinosaur fossil and name a new species after himself—until he digs up a note in the fifth-grade class garden with the word HELP on it. He is determined to come to the aid of the mystery note-writer. But when the quest turns out to be harder than expected, Finch risks losing two things that he really wants—his best friend Noah, and a field trip to Dinosaur State Park.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Such a cute book. Finchosaurus is about a boy who cannot sit still, who loves dinosaurs, and wants to help. In the beginning of the story he finds a note that says "help" on it and he makes it his mission to help whomever has left it but doesn't know who. Over the course of the last few months of school he tries to help as many of the kids in his class as possible and realizes that everyone needs a little help somehow, including himself. 

The book is written very well, I really liked the flow and how the plans all came together. Finch, the main character, is thoughtful, but also just a kid and the author portrayed that really well. I think kids and parents should be reading this book, it put a lot of things into perspective and I think the story was so inspirational.

The book is pretty short and even includes some flip art in the bottom corner which I had a lot of fun playing with when I needed a quick reading break. The chapters are also short so this would make a good read-together at bedtime kind of book.

Praise for FINCHOSAURUS

"...If it's anything like the last (In Memory of Gorfman T. Frog), it's worth discovering." ―Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal

"An amusing, empowering tale that should appeal especially to middle schoolers with abundant energy." ―Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Gail's Previous Middle Grade Novels

THE WAFFLER

“A solid middle-grade choice—no waffling necessary.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The book captures the pains and pleasures of being both a twin and a fourth-grader.” —Booklist

WHAT'S BUGGING BAILEY BLECKER?

“Andrew Clements fans will enjoy this school story, too.” —Horn Book

“Bailey is emotionally authentic, with an individualistic voice and a strong streak of stubbornness, of which she is particularly proud.” —Publishers Weekly

“Purposeful in a lighthearted way but guaranteed to make your head—scalp and brain—itch!” —Kirkus Reviews

IN MEMORY OF GORFMAN T. FROG

"Middle-graders will celebrate as Josh learns to use his personal “pause” button to stop talking long enough to keep out of trouble. Obvious appeal, particularly to fans of Andrew Clements’s work.” —Kirkus Reviews  

About the Author

Gail Donovan is the author of the middle-grade novels The Waffler, What’s Bugging Bailey Blecker?, and In Memory of Gorfman T. Frog, which was named a New York Public Library Best Books for Children. She is also an author for the Rainbow Fish & Friends picture book series based on the bestselling books of Marcus Pfister. Donovan, who was born and raised in Connecticut, lives in Maine with her husband and two daughters, where, in addition to writing children’s books, she is a library assistant at the Portland Public Library.  
 

PHOTO CREDIT: TOM BELL

Find the Author

WEBSITE /GOODREADS /FACEBOOK

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

10 Winners will receive a Copy of FINCHOSAURUS by Gail Donovan.

Ends: November 5   a Rafflecopter giveaway