Early Reader Review: Deep Water by Watt Key

Source: From Macmillan in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Deep Water by Watt Key
Publisher:  Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date:  April 17, 2018 - TODAY!

 

Format:  Paperback ARC

Rating:


 



 Goodreads Synopsis: 

A middle grade survival story about a scuba dive gone wrong and two enemies who must unite to survive.

It's the most important rule of scuba diving: If you don't feel right, don't go down.

So after her father falls ill, twelve-year-old Julie Sims must take over and lead two of his clients on a dive miles off the coast of Alabama while her father stays behind in the boat. When the clients, a reckless boy Julie's age and his equally foolhardy father, disregard Julie's instructions during the dive, she quickly realizes she's in over her head.

And once she surfaces, things only get worse: One of the clients is in serious condition, and their dive boat has vanished--along with Julie's father, the only person who knows their whereabouts. It's only a matter of time before they die of hypothermia, unless they become shark bait first. Though Julie may not like her clients, it's up to her to save them all. 

Review: 
I am not a huge fan of more contemporary books, I normally stick with fantasy and the like - but this description had me interested. I am so glad I agreed to read it, because it was SO good! 

The book follows Julie as she goes on a dive that is destined for mishaps and she finds herself and her companions abandoned in the ocean. She has to work to keep herself and the others alive. 

While there wasn't a lot of character development in this book with the main character, but there was so much other stuff to keep the reader interested that it didn't matter (at least for me). There was character growth in the secondary character though - which was nice - mostly because you want to punch him for the first half of the book.

While they are stranded they go through so much, and Julie's character does so well trying to navigate and keep everyone safe - it was inspirational and a good take on the 'don't panic' style of things. I found the information that the book delivered to be both educational as well as made for a great story too. 

I read this book in about 2-3 sittings and really enjoyed it the whole way through. If you are looking for a more contemporary book, like the ocean, or survival stories, you are sure to enjoy this one.

Blog Blast: Excerpt and Givaway - An Authentic Experience by Kelly Wittmann

 

Hello Readers!

Today I have the pleasure of sharing an excerpt and giveaway from Kelly Wittmann the author of An Authentic Experience, which is a new contemporary Young Adult novel.

Enjoy! 

An Authentic Experience by Kelly Wittmann
Publisher: Sara Camilli Literacy Agency
Publication Date:  February 13, 2018

 

Synopsis: 
Fifteen-year-old Silver Abelli’s life has been as tumultuous as the punk rock she was raised on. Her divorced parents just don’t get along, even though they’re both musicians who stubbornly spurn the mainstream but secretly crave the limelight. Silver has always lived with her mom, Nicola, but when Nicola is diagnosed with a brain tumor, she must go to live with her obnoxious, hard-partying father, Renz. It’s a really bad time to fall in love, so you can pretty much bet that Silver will.

Enter Jake Sullivan…

 

 CHAPTER 1

Supposedly it’s against the body clock of a teenager to get up early in the morning, but Silver loved to rise before the sun to work with her grandfather at the family business, Tomasino’s Bakery. On these quiet mornings, they would roll out the dough together and bake the pastries that went on sale at 7:00 AM, under the supervision of Pope Francis, whose portrait hung on the wall. 

“Gramps, is it illegal for me to work here?”
“Of course not; don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m only fifteen.”

“Only fifteen!” he scoffed. “You know what I was doing when I was fifteen?”

“What?” said Silver, sprinkling some flour on the dough. 

“Well… The same thing you’re doing right now. It wasn’t exactly breaking rocks with a pick ax, but my point is there’s nothing wrong with a little hard work. I pay you, don’t I?”

“Yes.”

“And it’s not illegal, as long as you’re family. I wouldn’t do that.” There were several other people working with them in the big kitchen in back of the store, and he turned to one of them and said, “Esther, we gotta get those cronuts going for that catering job.”

“I know,” the woman said, waving a hand in the air. “It’s all under control.”

“What is it with the cronuts?” he said as he turned back to Silver. “I talked to a guy I know in New York who’s in the business a couple months ago and he said ‘Get ready for the cronuts. They’re coming your way.’ You know, I talk to these bakers in New York and it never fails, they can always tell me what the next trend is going to be. Used to always take almost exactly two years to get to Milwaukee. Always. But then came the internet and now everyone knows what people are eating in New York. So now it’s more like two months until it gets here!” Once upon a time, Gramps had resisted the internet with all his might, but now he loved it. He said it made doing business so much easier.

There's more keep reading...

Building the Book Pile #250

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Sunday! 

This week Vermont had some rain, some snow flurries, and some sun... I am SO ready for spring to actually happen but it has stayed on the colder side here (sad face). I finished some non-essential reading (of course) but it is better than nothing... and it was a pretty chill week at work. This upcoming week will be busy again but I was happy for a bit of a break. 

Oh on another note - have you heard of Webtoons? it is a site online to read online comics and the authors/creators load them weekly - I am addicted to a few of them now and binge read a few and am caught up... so many, SO GOOD!. Loving this as a work -break outlet. My love started with "Let's Play" - it is drama and some romance it is so fun. You should go and find something awesome!

I am also excited that the next season of Series of Unfortunate Events is on Netflix - I need to check out the next book from the library so I can read it before I start watching. Did you like my comparison reviews? I don't know if I will still do them but it was fun for me - so you might get them anyway...

Now that I have officially rambled at you... I will move on to the bloggy things...

BUT ALSO - How has your week been so far?

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog!

Coming up on the Blog

Blog Blast: Excerpt and Giveaway! An Authentic Experience by Kelly Whittman (YA)
Early Reader Review: Deep Water by Watt Key (YA)
Early Reader Review: Little Bear and His Chair by Claressa Swensen (Youth)
Early Reader Review: Key to Everything by Pat Schmatz (MG)

 

Books Received this Week

Thief of Happy Endings by Kristen Chandler - from Publicist and Penguin Young Readers for review. 

The Helm of Darkness by A.P. Mobley - from the author for review. 

Have you missed anything lately?

Week of April 9 - April 14

Early Reader Review: The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais (MG, GN) -3 stars

Recent Reads: Saga Volume 5 by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples (GN, Adult) -3 stars

Blog Blast w/ giveaway: The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Peterson Haddix (YA)

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: The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Nerd Blast and Links

About the Book

From New York Times bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix comes a haunting novel about friendship and what it really means to be a family in the face of lies and betrayal.

Fourteen-year-old Avery Armisted is athletic, rich, and pretty. Sixteen-year-old Kayla Butts is known as “butt-girl” at school. The two girls were friends as little kids, but that’s ancient history now. So it’s a huge surprise when Avery’s father offers to bring Kayla along on a summer trip to Spain. Avery is horrified that her father thinks he can choose her friends—and make her miss soccer camp. Kayla struggles just to imagine leaving the confines of her small town.

But in Spain, the two uncover a secret their families had hidden from both of them their entire lives. Maybe the girls can put aside their differences and work through it together. Or maybe the lies and betrayal will only push them—and their families—farther apart.

Margaret Peterson Haddix weaves together two completely separate lives in this engaging novel that explores what it really means to be a family—and what to do when it’s all falling apart.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

About the Author

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.

She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.

Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.

PHOTO CONTENT FROM MARGARET PETERSON HADDIX

Find the Author

 Website /  Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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

ENDS: APRIL 30, 2018

5 Winners will receive a  Copy of THE SUMMER OF BROKEN THINGS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recent Reads: Saga Volume 5 by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Saga Volume 5 by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Series: Saga, Collecting Issues 25-30.
Publisher: Image Comics
Publication Date:  September 9. 2015

 

Format:  Paperback
Source: Borrowed from a friend

Rating:


 






Goodreads Synopsis: 

Multiple storylines collide in this cosmos-spanning new volume. While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies.

Collecting: Saga 25-30

Volume 1 Review /Volume 2 Review / Volume 3 Review / Volume 4 Review

Review: 
I like this series, it is easy to read and I enjoy most of the characters... and my friend let me borrow up to Volume 8. I feel obligated to read them because I have them, but as we progress I am not as excited to read them - that might be why the ratings aren't spectacular. Anywho, in volume 5 there were so many heart wrenching parts! I was thrown all over the place emotionally.

Alana and Marko are trying to get back to each other, Prince Robot IV is doing his best to be cooperative but is looking for his kid, and Gwen is still trying to help The Will. Every storyline in this volume had an emotional part - I was completely thrown off by how deep this got and it was a little depressing overall. 

I liked where it was going and still do, I am interested to see how reunions will change things for all the characters...

Early Reader Review: The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais

Source: From Netgalley and Lion Forge Comics in exchange for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Lost Path by Amélie Fréchais

Publisher: Lion Forge Comics
Publication Date:  April 10, 2018

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


 





Goodreads Synopsis: 

Three young boys set off from Camp Happiness, map in hand, determined to be the first to find the treasure before anyone else. But the shortcut they take leads to something far more spectacular and sinister! All manner of magical beasties live in these woods, and the kids find themselves caught between warring Forest Spirits. Will the three boys find their way out of trouble? Get your map and ready, set, go! Amélie Fléchais's incredible artwork combines the best of French illustration with manga influences. A spooky new fairytale, for fans of Over the Garden Wall. 

Review: 
The Lost Path has a very intricate cover and that suits the story very well. This graphic novel caught my eye and the adventure it promise was alluring. It starts out with a short tale about the lore of the forest and then dives into some boys on a trek. They soon find themselves in the woods with some very strange creatures and evils trying to get them. It was cute, but the story kind of had me lost. There were magical creatures and a queen that was angry but it didn't really explain enough for me. I was also a bit thrown off by the coloring - some pages were full of color while others were completely black and while. When it first happened I thought it was a proof thing but then it went in and out of color so it might be an artistic choice that I didn't find appealing. 

I thought this graphic novel was nice but I have been reading a lot lately and this one fell a bit short for me.

Building the Book Pile #249

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

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

I have been getting so distracted lately - almost forgot another Book Pile post.

I got some reading done this week which was awesome but need to write up the reviews still. It was a busy week at work so blogging was a bit lacking. That is ok - sometimes non-internet life is more important.

How has your week been so far?

Share about your week with me in the comments below!

 

  Giveaways  on Cover2CoverBlog!

Another coming up this week

Coming up on the Blog

Early Reader Review: The Lost Path by Amélie Fléchais (MG, GN)

Recent Reads: Saga Volume 5 by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples (GN, Adult)

Blog Blast w/ giveaway: The Summer of Broken Things by Margaret Peterson Haddix (YA)

 

Books Received this Week

 

Damselfly by Chandra Prasad from Scholastic Press and the Publicist for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Week of April 2 - April 8

April 2018: TBR Pile

Blog Tour: Secondhand Heroes: The Last Battle by Justin Larocca Hansen (MG, GN) - 4, 5, 5 stars

 Early Reader Review: The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels (MG) - 4 stars

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!

Early Reader Review: The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers and Tundra Books for review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Adventures of Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels with illustrations by Emma Blog
Publisher:  Tundra Books
Publication Date:  March 27. 2018

 

Format:  Paperback ARC

Rating:


 




Goodreads Synopsis: 

The magical adventures of an eccentric Mary Poppins-esque heroine and her flying feline charges, sure to charm readers big and small. The first book for children by an internationally acclaimed novelist and poet.
 
Miss Petitfour enjoys having adventures that are "just the right size - fitting into a single, magical day." She is an expert at baking and eating fancy iced cakes, and her favorite mode of travel is par avion. On windy days, she takes her sixteen cats out for an airing: Minky, Misty, Taffy, Purrsia, Pirate, Mustard, Moutarde, Hemdela, Earring, Grigorovitch, Clasby, Captain Captain, Captain Catkin, Captain Cothespin, Your Shyness and Sizzles. With the aid of her favorite tea party tablecloth as a makeshift balloon, Miss Petitfour and her charges fly over her village, having many little adventures along the way. Join Miss Petitfour and her equally eccentric felines on five magical outings -- a search for marmalade, to a spring jumble sale, on a quest for "birthday cheddar", the retrieval of a lost rare stamp and as they compete in the village's annual Festooning Festival. A whimsical, beautifully illustrated collection of tales that celebrates language, storytelling and small pleasures, especially the edible kind!

Review: 
Miss Petitfour is a woman that loves adventure but also knows that adventures can be found in normal daily activities. She lives with her 16 cats and her favorite mode of transportation is by wind and a tablecloth.  This small books included 5 stories and an introduction to her and her cats. It was all very cute. 

In each of the stories a fun adventure ensues and the cats are always included. Miss Petitfour seems like a lot of fun and is, like the synopsis says, a little like Mary Poppins. The book is whimsical in wonderful ways and it also takes the time to highlight words and phases for younger readers to help them learn about the words but also about home some books will use them.  It was a quick read and I think parts and their younger readers will really enjoy Miss Petitfour, and if you are a cat lover you have that added bonus.

Blog Tour: Secondhand Heroes Series by Justin Larocca Hansen

Source: From the Author for review and tour. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Today we are talking about Secondhand Heroes #3: The Last Battle - Out on April 10th! I had the pleasure of reading this whole series and and so excited to share my reviews with you - as you know I love graphic novels and comics especially when they are for young adult. middle grade readers!

Since the feature is for Book 3 that review is first - if you haven't read up to that point yet, keep scrolling and you will see reviews for the first two books!

The Last Battle
Series: Secondhand Heroes #3
Publisher:  Dial Books
Publication Date: April 10, 2018

 

Format:  Ebook

Rating:

 




Goodreads Synopsis: 

Two ordinary objects turned a pair of brothers into superheroes. Now they're banding together with their neighbors to take down the evil Trench once and for all in the final volume of this graphic novel trilogy.

Tuck and Hudson have figured out how to wield the superpowers they got when their mom bought them an ordinary-looking pair of scarves and an umbrella at a yard sale. But Trench, their supervillain archnemesis, is only getting more powerful. Slowly, the brothers have discovered the others in their town who have superpowered objects from that same yard sale. Now Tuck and Hudson, along with their friend Elvira and their squirrel sidekick, Steen, are leading a band of heroes in the fight against Trench. This final volume of the graphic novel adventure series features the heroes' last stand, with plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Review: 
So many twists in this installment! Book 3 of Secondhand Heroes follows Tuck and Hudson into their final battle with Trench. The whole community is now involved and there are so many twists along the way. 

This book in the series was the best display of Justin's artistic talent, the full spreads of art without dialogue were gorgeous and detailed and so vibrant, I really loved staring at them. The overall story was wonderful too but if you haven't read the first two, I don't want to give anything away. Just know that you will be dying to read more from Justin.

The Last Battle was epic on so many counts. I think Middle Grade readers will really love this series. It is action-packed, and so much fun to read.

Brothers Unite

Series: Secondhand Heroes #1
Publisher:  Dial Books
Publication Date:  July 5, 2016

 

Format:  Ebook
Rating:


 



Goodreads Synopsis: 

Perfect for fans of Amulet, Sidekicks, and Zita the Spacegirl, this graphic novel series debut introduces Stretch and Brella, a pair of ordinary brothers whose extraordinary yard sale discovery turns them into superheroes

Tuck and Hudson are just two average suburban brothers—until their mother buys them a scarf and an umbrella at a yard sale. Quickly, the brothers realize that these ordinary-looking objects are full of magic, and that, with the help of their squirrel sidekick, they can use that magic to fight evil. As the boys move from fighting their neighborhood nemesis to facing bigger foes, they become Stretch and Brella, the unstoppable brother superhero duo. Soon, Stretch and Brella find themselves in another realm, where they take on enormous dragons and an evil knight in an incredible graphic novel adventure. 

Review: 
I am a fan of Amulet and Ben Hatke - who wrote Zita so I was super excited to dive into this series. Tuck and Hudson are brothers and their mother loves garage sales. She always brings the boys something back when she goes out and this time all they got was scarves and an umbrella. To their amazement these items are so much more and they find themselves crime-fighting heroes of their little neighborhood. 

This first volume was a lot of story build up - they boys finding their powers, an enemy surfacing , and a trip to another universe to help a dragon. I know, it all sounds crazy but it works so well. The boys are fun to read and the story is interesting and keeps the reader pushing through the story. 

Then there is the artwork - it was amazing! the colors are vibrant, and all the panels are SO DETAILED it was hard to read all the dialogue because you are so distracted by the images behind and around it. I found myself gazing at the pictures for much longer than was necessary to grasp the story. It was great, this book was a great start to the series for sure!

In the Trenches
Series: Secondhand Heroes #2
Publisher:  Dial Books
Publication Date:  February 7, 2017

 

Format:  Ebook
Rating:


 




 
Goodreads Synopsis:
 

Two ordinary objects turned a pair of brothers into superheroes. Now they must fight the evil Trench right in their own neighborhood.
 
When Tuck and Hudson return from their first adventure as the superheroes Stretch and Brella, they’re still reeling from the shock of their newfound powers. But there’s no time to slow down. Trench, a supervillain whose powers came from the very same garage sale where Tuck and Hudson found their magic scarves and umbrella, lives around the corner—and he’s out to get the brother superhero duo. With help from their squirrel companion, Steen, and another newly minted superhero, a neighborhood girl named Elvira, the brothers keep fighting the good fight, with plenty of action and adventure along the way.

Review: 
Ok, book 2! So much action is packed into this installment. The boys return from another universe to find that their enemy has taken over - actually more than just taken over - everyone is living in fear, and they have been away for 15 years! After making it back to their time, they find others that purchased items from the same garage sale that have powers and they have to team up to take down the supervillain. They are trying to save their home and their friends - can they do it?

Again the story line kept me very interested and the art was just as spectacular, if not better then the first installment. Tuck and Hudson are growing as characters and I am enjoying their company while reading. I also really liked the incorporation of other kids with special items and as a bonus - these characters are diverse ones. I love seeing that in children's books. I really liked all the action and progression in this book and could not wait to pick up the third one!

Tour Schedule

Stop by and say hello to all the reviewers!

April 4th - Cover2CoverBlog  YOU ARE HERE!
April 5th - A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust
April 6th- Unleashing Readers
 -

April 9th-  Daddy Mojo
April 10th-  Trisha Jenn Reads
April 11th-  Story Mamas
April 12th(TBD) - The Little Crooked Cottage

About the Author:
Justin LaRocca Hansen was raised in a small town in Massachusetts, spending his summers in Cape Cod. He has loved comics, drawing, and watercolor since he was very young, and his childhood adventures continue to inspire his storytelling today. After receiving his artistic and undergraduate training at the Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, Justin began teaching in New York and Massachusetts. He is the author/illustrator of Monster Hunter published by Sky Pony Press and the Secondhand Heroes Graphic novel trilogy published by Dial Books for Young Readers.