Book Review - How to Save a Superhero by Ruth Freeman + Giveaway

 

Addie and her mom, Tish, never stayed in the same location for to long. They have traveled all around the country. When Tish gets a new job at the Happy Valley Village Retirement Community in Pennsylvania, Addie believes they will be on the road again within the month.

One of the residents, Mr. Norris, might help them stay longer. Mr. Norris is a grumpy resident who wants to move back home but, the other children in the community believe that he is a superhero. Addie is having a hard time believing there are superheros but, then these strange occurrences keep happening that Addie can't make sense of.  Then a mysterious man has appeared and claims to be a reporter for a newspaper and a long last relative of a resident. Addie realizes that Mr. Norris and the mysterious man is hiding secrets that can be deadly.

I thought the book was an okay read. The story had some interesting parts but, I felt like it was a bit dry and lacked humor. The book is a good read for young readers who like reading about superheros with whimsical characters.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy in exchange for an honest opinion***

 

About the Book:

Title: HOW TO SAVE A SUPERHERO

Author: Ruth Freeman

Pub. Date: October 19, 2021

Publisher: Holiday House

Pages: 272

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Ten-year-old Addie knows that Superheroes aren't real, and that they certainly don't hide out in retirement communities, but she may just have to change her mind.

Addie and her mom never stay in one place too long. They've been up and down and all around the country. When her mom, Tish, gets a new job at Happy Valley Village Retirement Community in Pennsylvania, Addie believes they'll be on the road again in a month. But this time, something is different--make that, someone. Mr. Norris, a grumpy resident of Happy Valley and. . .a former superhero?

Well, that's what Marwa, whose mom also works at Happy Valley, would try and have Addie believe. Addie and her friend Dickson know better even if there are things they can't explain. Like the time Mr. Norris was about to get hit by a car and was suddenly on the other side of the road or the way his stare seems to take root in Addie's stomach.

When a man starts prowling the Happy Valley grounds, claiming to be the great-nephew of a resident, Addie, Marwa, and Dickson soon stumble into a grand conspiracy involving the Manhattan Project, a shady weapons company, and the fate of the human race, in this smart, funny middle grade novel.

Praise For HOW TO SAVE A SUPERHERO:

★ "Featuring a cast whose distinct personalities are clearly built out, Freeman’s imaginative, suspenseful, and well-paced novel of intergenerational friendship will keep readers guessing."—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

"Behind an uncommonly savvy, redoubtable protagonist, Freeman stocks her cast with a diverse array of equally vivacious characters, including as lively and hilarious a group of resident seniors as ever was. . . . A clever, lively romp."—Kirkus Reviews

 

About Ruth Freeman:

Ruth Freeman is the author of One Good Thing About America, which received a Golden Kite Honor Award and was called a "touching novel" by School Library Journal. Ruth grew up in rural Pennsylvania but now lives in Maine where she teaches English language learners in an elementary school. 

 

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

 

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of HOW TO SAVE A SUPERHERO, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/11/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt
10/11/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
10/12/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
10/12/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
10/13/2021	Pick a good book	Excerpt
10/13/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
10/14/2021	Books Are Magic Too	Review
10/14/2021	two points of interest	Review
10/15/2021	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review
10/15/2021	Jill Piscitello	Excerpt

Week Two:

10/18/2021	FyreKatz Blog	Review
10/18/2021	@coffeebooksandmascara	Review
10/19/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
10/19/2021	Phannie the Ginger Bookworm	Review
10/20/2021	Wonder Struck	Review
10/20/2021	Midnightbooklover	Review
10/21/2021	@abackwardsstory	Review
10/21/2021	onemused	Review
10/22/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
10/22/2021	@fictitious.fox	Review

Book Review - Salt Magic by Hope Larson + Giveaway

 

Vonceil is excited to have her older brother, Elber, return home to Oklahoma after serving in the war. However, she quickly realizes Elbert isn't who she remembers him to be. Elber  has became more serious and responsible after the war and he barely has time for Vonceil anymore. He even married this childhood sweetheart that he had left behind.

A beautiful and mysterious woman shows up and claims that Elbert had abandoned her in France. Elber refuses to leave his wife so, the woman puts a curse on the family well. The town's entire water supply turns into saltwater. Vonceil is determined to find the woman and save her family.

The graphic novel was an endearing and lovely read. I love Vonceil and the wonderful world of witchcraft that the author created. The gorgeously illustrated book is perfect for young readers who want a standalone adventure. I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received an unedited copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About the Book:

Title: SALT MAGIC

Author: Hope Larson, illustrated by Rebecca Mock

Pub. Date: October 12, 2021

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Pages: 240

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

When a jealous witch curses her family's well, it's up to Vonceil to set things right in an epic journey that will leave her changed forever.

When Vonceil's older brother, Elber, comes home to their family's Oklahoma farm after serving on the front lines of World War I, things aren't what she expects. His experiences have changed him into a serious and responsible man who doesn't have time for Vonceil anymore. He even marries the girl he had left behind.

Then a mysterious and captivating woman shows up at the farm and confronts Elber for leaving her in France. When he refuses to leave his wife, she puts a curse on the family well, turning the entire town's water supply into saltwater. Who is this lady dressed all in white, what has she done to the farm, and what does Vonceil's old uncle Dell know about her?

To find out, Vonceil will have to strike out on her own and delve deep into the world of witchcraft, confronting dangerous relatives, shapeshifting animals, a capricious Sugar Witch, and the Lady in White herself--the foreboding Salt Witch. The journey will change Vonceil, but along the way she'll learn a lot about love and what it means to grow up.

Hope Larson is the author and illustrator of the Eisner Award nominated All Summer Long and the illustrator of the Eisner Award winning A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel. Salt Magic is an utterly unique graphic fairy tale complete with striking illustrations by Rebecca Mock. 

Praise For SALT MAGIC:

"The best comics reading experience I've had in a long time." —Ben Hatke, author-illustrator of #1 New York Times Bestselling Zita the Spacegirl series
 
"Sumptuously detailed in all aspects, readers of all ages will be whisked away by this unique and modern fairy tale. Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock take a story filled with fantasy and imagination and ground it with great humanity and depth. A book to return to over and over again."—Jen Wang, author-illustrator of the Eisner award-winning The Prince and the Dressmaker
 
"The perfect alchemy of gorgeous illustration and richly imagined story." —Victoria Ying, author-illustrator of City of Secrets
 
"Salt Magic is an epic coming-of-age adventure. Rebecca’s artwork is some of the most gorgeous cartooning I have ever seen, bringing Hope’s incredible storytelling to vibrant life. With witches, magic, and cowboys, you’ve never read a Western like this before!" —Cathy G. Johnson, author-illustrator of The Breakaways


"This story by the previous collaborators (Compass South) unfolds skillfully, taking time to develop memorable heroine Vonceil and her quotidian world . . . before setting her on an adventure that echoes fantasy classics yet feels entirely distinct."—Publishers Weekly

"Unusual and excellent, containing wonder within."—Kirkus Reviews

  

About Hope Larson:

Hope Larson has written and illustrated many graphic novels including All Summer Long, which was a Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018 and an Eisner Award nominee, as well as its recently published sequel, All Together Now. She adapted and illustrated A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel, which spent forty-four weeks on the New York Times graphic novel bestseller list and for which she won an Eisner Award. She is also the author of Compass South (A New York Times Bestseller), and its companion volume, Knife's Edge, both illustrated by Rebecca Mock. She lives in North Carolina.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Rebecca Mock:

Rebecca Mock is an illustrator and comics artist. They illustrated the graphic novels Compass South and Knife's Edge, both written by Hope Larson. Their work has also appeared in various publications, including the New York Times and The New Yorker. They are the co-organizer of the Hana Doki Kira anthology. They live in Brooklyn, New York. Visit their website at https://rebeccamock.com

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details: 

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SALT MAGIC, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/4/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
10/4/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
10/5/2021	YA Books Central	Excerpt
10/5/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
10/6/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
10/6/2021	Pick a good book	Excerpt
10/7/2021	Celiamcmahonreads	Review
10/7/2021	History From A Women's Perspective	Review
10/8/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
10/8/2021	The Momma Spot	Review

Week Two:

10/11/2021	Books Are Magic Too	Review
10/11/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
10/12/2021	two points of interest	Review
10/12/2021	@coffeebooksandmascara	Review
10/13/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
10/13/2021	@abackwardsstory	Review
10/14/2021	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review
10/14/2021	Midnightbooklover	Review
10/15/2021	@bookisheclectic	Review
10/15/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review

Book Review - Only My Dog Knows I Pick My Nose by Lauren Tarshis + Giveaway

 

 

To everyone, this youngster looks like a well behave child. He eats all of his veggies, he shares his toys with his little sister, and behaves while taking a bath. However, there are those secret moments where no one is looking that are the most special ones. This beautifully illustrated books share a glimpse into a child's life along with the special moments he shares with his dog. It shows the different sides of ourselves that we show to loved ones and the way we behave in private. I liked the it shows how the child could be himself and his pet will unconditionally love him. I think this is a cute and fun book for little readers. However, while the title of the book is has fun gross name, I think ti would be more appropriate to name it "Only my dog knows..."

 **Disclosure - I relieved a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**  

 

 

 

About The Book:

Title: ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE

Author: Lauren Tarshis & Lisa Bronson Mezoff (Illustrations)

Pub. Date:  October 19, 2021

Publisher: Orchard Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 48

Find it:  Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

A hilarious and tender picture book perfect for fans of No, David that insightfully explores the inner world of a child. The picture book debut from the New York Times bestselling author of I Survived, Lauren Tarshis!

To the outside world, it might look like you do everything right: eat your broccoli, share your toys, and behave in the bath. But what about the moments when no one is looking, and your messier, mushier, scared-ier self is revealed? The only one who knows is... the loyal dog friend who sees it all and still loves you just the way you are.

This celebration of friendship, loyalty, and unconditional love with man's -- and child's -- best friend is sure to delight and entertain readers of all ages. Laugh along with recognition and delight in this ode to being true to yourself. With tender, humorous text from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Tarshis, and joyful, expressive watercolors from artist Lisa Mezoff, this sweet book presents a validating message of confidence, empowerment, and unconditional love.

 

About Lauren Tarshis: 

Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series tells stories of young people and their resilience and strength in the midst of unimaginable disasters and times of turmoil. Lauren has brought her signature warmth and exhaustive research to topics such as the battle of D-Day, the American Revolution, Hurricane Katrina, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and other world events. She lives in Connecticut with her family, and can be found online at laurentarshis.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon

 

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of ONLY MY DOG KNOWS I PICK MY NOSE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/11/2021	YABooksCentral	Interview
10/11/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review
10/12/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review
10/12/2021	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review
10/13/2021	For The Love Of The Page	Review
10/13/2021	celiamcmahonreads	Review
10/14/2021	@Curlygrannylovestoread	Review
10/14/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
10/15/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
10/15/2021	booksaremagictoo	Review

Week Two:

10/18/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
10/18/2021	BookHounds ya	Review
10/19/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Review
10/19/2021	Nerdophiles	Review
10/20/2021	Geaux Get Lit	Review
10/20/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
10/21/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
10/21/2021	Jaime's World	Excerpt
10/22/2021	Little Red Reads	Review
10/22/2021	She Just Loves Books	Review

October 2021 Empties!

 

October is already here and I can't believe it! I feels like the year has blown by so quickly. However, I am loving this weather and I hope it stays like this for awhile and we have a mild winter. I didn't really manage to finish much this month and the few things I did finish were okay.

I didn't really do many face mask month because I been lazy about putting one on. The two new masks I did try were okay. I did like the Centella mask more than the green tea mask but, they were both average. I did try this new serum from Graydon that goes on like a charm and feels like a treat on my skin. I use it after applying a face sheet and my skin is glowing.

I finally finished a palette and a nail polish! This is the first time this year I finished a palette and nail polish. The Urban Decay palette is so old that I don't really know the name of the palette. I love this green polish and I am so sad that its finished. It's from Lollipop Posse Lacquer in Widely Regarded as a Bad Move. I got it last year for my birthday. The polish lasted so long and was a beautiful color so, I will probably buy more from this brand.

The last few things I tried this month was a bit disappointing. The Generation Clay mask was painful and burned when I applied it. I don't think it even did anything. The lavender spray from Kerstin Florian smelled nice but, did nothing to provide any hydration on skin. The Holifrog was one of the worst scrubs I ever used. The gummy texture made it hard to apply and the product smelled bad. 

Is there anything you used this month that you would recommend?

Pureology Clean Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

Orjena Green Natural Moisture Mask Sheet

FIF Centella Sensitive Ampoule Mask

Honey Jarret Super Beau'Tea Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack - Chamomile + Tea Tree

Urban Decay Palette

Graydon Fullmoon Serum

Generation Clay Ultra Violet Brightening Purple Clay Mask

Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Lavender Body Spray

Holifrog Como Popp-e Renewal Scrubby Wash