Book Review for The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

The Golden Pathway by Donna McDine

(Guardian Angel Publishing, August 12, 2010)

The Golden Pathway is a historical fiction book that talks about slavery and the Underground Railroad.

People who were alive during the time of slavery, believed in two things in the south. They either believed in slavery or did not. David is the boy in this story, who did not believe in slavery. He did not agree that another person should be owned, and he certainly did not believe in the abuse and bad treatment that a slave sometimes had to endure. David’s Pa is a man with little qualm about beating slaves. He, on occasion, especially when he had a little too much to drink, would take his frustrations out on the family's slave, Jenkins. After hearing Pa whip Jenkins for the umpteenth time—he had enough. David was tired of his father’s drunken outbursts of insanity, and he often had prayed that Pa wouldn’t find another target for his temper.

So, he waited. David waited until the chaos was over to try and comfort his friend. It made him sick to see the whip lashes on Jenkins back. Wanting to do something to save Jenkins, and yet also fearing what would happen to him, David decides that Jenkins must be set free. The only way to do that was to take him to a Quaker, who was someone who did not believe in slavery. A Quaker would help slaves escape to the north to freedom via the Underground Railroad. It was considered the golden pathway to freedom.

The Quaker tells David where to meet him with Jenkins. Do they get caught? Will David be punished for aiding a slave? On the other hand, will Jenkins finally be free?

The Golden Pathway is a story about courage and friendship. Children will be able to learn a little more about this time period. Mrs. McDine adds a bibliography page to the back of her book where readers can learn more about slavery. She also adds an Author’s Note page that provides further information for the reader.

Children who like historical fiction between the ages of 8–12 will enjoy this 26-page picture book, which is available in hardcover, paperback and e-book.

This book was reviewed for Pump Up Your Books Blog Tour for Donna McDine. For more info on the other places, she will be visiting, please check out her website at www.donnamcdine.com

Book Review for Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth's Astonishing Animals and Where They Live by National Geographic

Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth's Astonishing Animals and Where They Live by National Geographic

(National Geographic Children's Books, September 28, 2010)

Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live is a perfect tool for introducing young readers to amazing animals across the globe.

Readers learn about various continents and regions where certain animals live. The book incorporates fact-filled essays that encourage children to read on and discover more. The maps are big, bright, and easy to read, and are custom designed for young readers, introducing them to the physical features of each continent. Animal icons show where animals live on land, also providing information about their habitats, diets, survival skills, and much more.

This atlas is truly unique in design, using maps and photographs to complement each other, creating images that will capture kids’ natural curiosity. It creates a fun-filled learning experience.

The book is 13.7 inches tall, which is perfect to be read and used in a classroom. The Table of Contents breaks information up by continents as well as where animals live, a look at their ecosystems, and spotlights on specific animals for discussion.

Pictures of each ecosystem are also provided. This book is great for learning about geography, endangered species, habitats, continents, map reading, and how these all connect.

Fans of other National Geographic books will soon add this to their list. Nat Geo Wild Animal Atlas: Earth’s Astonishing Animals and Where They Live is a step above the rest, combining a plethora of information and beautiful pictures that will ignite a passion in children for animals and the world they live in, making them want to be a part of this confluence, which has always been National Geographic’s goal.

Children ages 4–8 will enjoy this 64-page, hardcover, nonfiction picture book.

Reviewer Renee Hand is the award-winning author of The Crypto-Capers series for children. Look for her new release in the Crypto-Capers Series: Book 4: The Chest of Mystery.

Interview with Les Berman author of The Power of the Blue Medallion

“The Power of the Blue Medallion”

By Les Berman

BOOK SYNOPSIS

This Captivating novel follows the wild adventures of three charismatic young aliens from the distant planet Hebutar, and their companion on Earth. Zytor, the son of the ruler of Hebutar, is determined to stop a group
of terrorists from causing chaos in the United States. Against his father’s wishes, Zytor travels to Earth and meets a young girl, Tandy, whose father was killed by terrorists. Zytor’s sister Phelena, a Captain in the Hebutarian Military and a fellow soldier, are dispatched by her father to bring Zytor back to Hebutar before he mingles into the affairs of Planet Earth. While tracking down the terrorist, Zytor gets his medallion stolen (a powerful weapon), forcing him to team up with his sister and devise plans to retrieve the medallion, and help authorities stop the evil terrorists from executing a terrible attack in Washington D.C.




Joining us today is Les Berman, author of The Power of the Blue Medallion. We’re going to talk to Les about his new book The Power of the Blue Medallion and learn how it can help educate teens.


Welcome, Les. It’s great to have you with us.

Thanks for inviting me, Renee.

Q: Please tell our readers a bit about yourself.

A: Well, I’m in my third years as a retired math teacher. I’m keeping busy coaching high school track and field athletes, one of which received a full scholarship from UC Berkley. I coached many International and Olympic Athletes of the years. I am also in the process in writing another action thriller with math problems related to the story.

Q: When did you decide to start writing?

A: I was teaching seventh grade math at Haskell Middle School in Cerritos, California, trying different ways in which to motivate my students. One day I just came up with the thought that if I could relate math problems to an exciting story, students would be more apt to think about math in their everyday lives. And that was the start of my writing career.

Q: Where did the idea for The Power of the Blue Medallion come from?

A: That’s a good question, Renee. I very much enjoy reading action thrillers, and after reading a couple of Harry Potter novels, I came up with the idea of combing fantasy with adventure and intrigue.

Q: Can you tell us about your book?

A: This novel follows the wild adventures of three charismatic young aliens from the distant planet Hebutar, and their companion on Earth. Zytor, the son of the ruler of Hebutar, is determined to stop a group of terrorists from causing chaos in the United States. Against his father’s wishes, Zytor travels to Earth and meets a young girl, Tandy, whose father was killed by terrorists. Zytor’s sister Phelena, a Captain in the Hebutarian Military and a fellow soldier, are dispatched by her father to bring Zytor back to Hebutar before he mingles into the affairs of Planet Earth. While tracking down the terrorist, Zytor gets his medallion stolen (a powerful weapon), forcing him to team up with his sister and devise plans to retrieve the medallion, and help authorities stop the evil terrorists from executing a terrible attack in Washington D.C.

Q: Tell us about your main characters. How can readers relate to them? What will they like about them?

A: Zytor is a stubborn, yet good-hearted young boy who contently has disagreements with his father. His fascination with planet earth and helping their people deal with terrorist elicit continual conflict within his family. Readers will easily relate to this age-old conflict within families.Tandy is a very smart, determined teenage earth girl whose father was killed by terrorist. Realizing Zyor is her only hope to avenge her father’s death, she teams up with him in search of the terroris. Phelena, the sister of Zytor is a young military officer whose close relationship had changed in the recent years. Brought together in the search for the Blue Medallion, their relationship matures and respect grows between them. Everyone has dreams of being heroic at one time or another. I am sure the read will be completely absorbed in this adventure these teenagers experience.

Q: What age group is your book aimed for?

A: I wrote the novel for sixth grade through high school. But I’m finding many adults have told me they really have enjoyed the book.


Q: Readers come with a variety of likes and dislikes. What did you do to make The Power of the Blue Medallion appeal to a diverse audience? What is unique about it?

A: Both male and female readers can relate to the protagonists in the story. I also attempted to keep the reader in suspense as the adventure develops. I believe the story is unique by having young aliens in the pursuit of terrorist on earth. Also adding math problems related to the story and relating problems to the High School Exit Exam would be different and a valuable tool for students.

Q: Where can readers purchase copies of The Power of the Blue Medallion?

A: Readers can purchase the novel from my Website: www.ThePowerOfTheBlueMedallion.com or http://www.novelwithmath.com/. Readers can also download the novel with the Amazon Kendle or the Apple ipad with an Amazon App.

Q: In what ways is your book available to the public? Hardcover, soft cover, etc…

A: The book is available in soft cover or as a download.

Q: Do you have a website, facebook and/or blog, twitter page that fans of your book can follow you on?

A: Readers can follow me on facebook and twitter.

Q: What is next for you? Any new books in the works?

A: I’m currently in the process in writing a mystery with students attempting to solve a complicated plot twisting jewel robbery.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: I hope readers will leave comments on my website after reading the book. I especially would like to here comments from student needing help on the math section of the High School Exit Exam.

Thank you for speaking with us today, Les. We hope to hear more about The Power of the Blue Medallion soon.

Thank you for inviting me to talk about my novel. I’m looking forward to reading the comments on my website.

Les is on Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours. To find out more about where he will be touring please check out his tour schedule at the following link. Thanks Everyone!

http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2010/09/06/the-power-of-the-blue-medallion-virtual-book-tour-september-2010/ 

Book Signing Event

I am going to be at the wonderful Clinton Fall Festival on September 24th, 25th, and 26th from 9-6pm each day signing and discussing all of my books including my new release, The Chest of Mystery. The festivial is located in the town of Clinton. I hope to see you there.

Book Signing Event

I am going to be at the Perry Festival in Perry Michigan today from 9-2pm to sign all of my books including my new release, The Chest of Mystery in front of the city hall. Stop by and say hello. Thanks!
Renee

Book Review for My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer Fosberry

My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream? by Jennifer Fosberry

(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; Reprint edition, September 1, 2010)

My Name is Not Isabella is a 32-page hardcover picture book about a girl named Isabella who has a very interesting imagination. She loves to pretend she is someone else.

As soon as Isabella wakes up in the morning she is Sally, the greatest, toughest astronaut that ever was. Then when she goes down stairs to eat breakfast she is Annie, the greatest fastest sharpshooter that ever was. Her day continues like this up till the time she goes to bed where she is just Isabella, a combination of all of the people’s best qualities she had portrayed that day.

But what will she be tomorrow?

My Name is Not Isabella is a sweet, nicely illustrated tale that speaks of the strength and the courage of well-known women throughout history, such as Sally Ride, Annie Oakley, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, and Elizabeth Blackwell. These women definitely made their marks in history.

Isabella is a confident young girl who will inspire other little girls to go for their dreams, no matter how big or hard the road may be to get there. At the end of the book the author provides great information about each woman that Isabella pretends to be. My Name Is Not Isabella is a great way to start a discussion about history and to learn about historically significant figures.

The story also speaks loudly about knowing one’s self. Isabella knows who she is, and her mother understands her and encourages her to dream big. There are no limitations. This is a perfect read for young children between the ages of 4–8.

Reviewer Renee Hand is the award-winning author of The Crypto-Capers series for children. Look for her new release in the Crypto-Capers Series: Book 4: The Chest of Mystery.

Book Review for Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 7, 2010)

Children Make Terrible Pets is a 40-page hardcover picture book about a bear cub named Lucy who, when on a walk through the woods dancing and frolicking about, runs across someone admiring her from behind a bush—someone who is alone and frightened.

When Lucy yells at the intruder to reveal itself, a young boy steps into the clearing, relinquishing his hiding spot and squeaking in fear. Falling instantly in love with the cute boy, Lucy brings the youngster home to show her mother, begging her to keep him as a pet. Her mother tells Lucy that children make terrible pets, but Lucy is determined to prove her mother wrong. She names him Squeaker because he makes funny squeaking noises and takes full responsibility for his upkeep and care.

Lucy is true to her word and is very attentive to Squeaker. They play together, eat together, and even take naps together.

But not everything is fun and games. They have issues. Squeaker plays with food, gets dirty, throws tantrums, tears apart furniture, and more. Just when Lucy thinks things couldn’t possibly get worse, Squeaker disappears. Lucy must search high and low to find her lost pet.

Children Make Terrible Pets is an interesting twist on how children find their pets and discover each other’s idiosyncracies. Youngsters will enjoy the simple text and detailed illustrations. The irony and humor in the story will bring a smile to the reader’s face—the ending providing an especially good chuckle.

Children Make Terrible Pets is based on the author’s experiences. Of the many pets he coveted, frogs were a favorite. After collecting a few and bringing them home, Peter gets all set up to keep the frogs as pets. His wise mother asks him if he would want a wild animal to make him its pet. Can you guess Mr. Brown’s answer? This is a perfect read for children between the ages of 4–8.

Reviewer Renee Hand is the award-winning author of The Crypto-Capers series for children. Look for her new release in the Crypto-Capers Series: Book 4: The Chest of Mystery.

Book Review for The Elves’ First Christmas by Atsuko Morozumi

The Elves’ First Christmas by Atsuko Morozumi

(Mathew Price Ltd, September 1, 2010)

The Elves’ First Christmas is a 32-page picture book that begins with the elves living happily in the forest, enjoying life, and respecting nature and what it has provided for them.

Then men come—woodcutters—who begin to destroy the elves homes, forcing them to leave. The elves travel far and wide trying to stay away from humans. But they are soon forced to find shelter when a blustery winter storm hits. They come upon a barn that protects them, and they fall fast asleep.

And guess what? The barn belongs to Santa Claus and his wife! They find the elves and make them feel welcome, soon convincing them to build homes and create their own Elfin Village.

Having lots of work to do, yet too busy helping the elves to finish the toys for Christmas, Santa falls ill. Appreciating all the time Santa has put into helping them, the elves want to repay his kindness, so they finish making the toys. When Santa is well again, the elves show him all the work they have accomplished. Santa is pleased, happy with how well the job is done.

The illustrations bring the words to life, creating realistic images of the elves and their journey. The story is simply written and easy to understand; children will enjoy it.

A minor quibble: The story lacked adventure or suspense, which many children today expect, but was otherwise entertaining. This book is perfect for children between the ages of 4–8.

Book Review for Pobble's Way by Simon Van Booy

Pobble’s Way by Simon Van Booy

(Flashlight Press, September 1, 2010)


Pobble’s Way is a picture book about a young girl named Pobble and her father as they go on an adventure through the woods in the wintertime.

On their walk, the pair come across many wondrous things. The father spies a leaf floating peacefully in the water. By using their imaginations it is now a butterfly raft taking the butterfly anywhere it wishes to go.

As their walk continues, they see nature at its best, twisting what is real and bringing it to life, laughing and having fun all the while.

As Pobble’s father hoists Pobble onto his shoulders, a soft pink mitten falls from her pocket onto the ground. It is then that many woodland creatures come upon the mitten wondering what it could be. Could it be a carrot carrier? What about cotton candy? Maybe a mouse’s house? When Pobble returns to pick up her mitten, she has her own take on what it could be too.

This is a wonderful bedtime tale that fathers especially will love to read to their children. The inventive naming games throughout the story will encourage children to look around them and to use their own imaginations on their next outdoor adventure.

The illustrations in this hardcover, 32-page book, were charming and detailed, giving the reader a warm, realistic feeling that complements the narrative.

Overall, this is a fantastic story children will be able to relax to before going to bed. Peaceful dreaming . . .


Reviewer Renee Hand is the award-winning author of The Crypto-Capers series for children. Look for her new release in the Crypto-Capers Series: Book 4- The Chest of Mystery.