Two Points of Interest

Monday, January 24, 2022

Book Spotlight - When the World Turned Upside Down by K. Ibura + Giveaway

About the Book:

Title: WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

Author: K. Ibura

Pub. Date: February 1, 2022

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 288

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

What do you do when the world shuts down? A heartwarming story of friendship and overcoming adversity in a time of COVID, When the World Turns Upside Down is about community, giving back, and understanding the world around us through the power of generosity from debut middle grade author K. Ibura.

Nobody expected a tiny little virus to change the whole world in such a big way, especially not Shayla, Liam, Ai, and Ben. But when school closes to keep everyone safe, their lives turn upside down. It is one thing to learn that the outside world isn’t safe, but why does it seem that the virus is causing trouble inside their homes too?

As they each struggle to adjust to life in quarantine, they discover they are not alone: their apartment building is full of people who need their help. Working together, they begin to see that there is power in numbers. When they cooperate, they can ease each other’s challenges and help their neighbors through tough times. It’s a lesson they’ll need when protests explode in the streets. Soon, each friend has to decide what it means to be part of a community—and how much they’re willing to do to make this world safer for everyone.

Set against the onset of COVID, When the World Turned Upside Down navigates issues of race and social justice in a heartwarming story of generosity, friendship, and the power of youth.

Reviews:

“When The World Turned Upside Down is as clear-eyed as it is engaging, as timely as it is timeless. I fell in love with every single student in this book. And days after reading it, each of them remains with me.” ― Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming“

A beautifully written story that will inspire young readers to work for positive change even in times of turmoil and stress. This book reminds readers that all of us can make an impact and find ways to shine bright.” ―Angela Cervantes, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book Lety Out Loud"

A hope-filled book dealing with the struggles children face in extraordinary times, K. Ibura has crafted a story perfect for young readers looking to make sense of current events. Timely and important." – Adrianna Cuevas, author of Pura Belpré Honor Book The Total Eclipse of Nestor López and Cuba In My Pocket

"A heartwarming call to action." -- Kirkus Reviews

About K. Ibura:

K. IBURA is an essayist, science fiction and fantasy short story writer, and painter from New Orleans, Louisiana. The middle child of five in a family of human rights activists, she grew up in a hardscrabble neighborhood with oak and fig trees, locusts and mosquitoes, cousins and neighbors. Her short story collection Ancient, Ancient won the James Tiptree, Jr. Award for 2012. Ibura’s debut YA novel will be coming out with Alloy and Harper Teen in spring 2022.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/17/2022	YA Books Central	Excerpt
1/17/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
1/18/2022	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
1/18/2022	The Reading Wordsmith	Review
1/19/2022	Bibliosini	Review
1/19/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
1/20/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review
1/20/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
1/21/2022	Books Are Magic Too	Review
1/21/2022	Pick a good book	Review

Week Two:

1/24/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
1/24/2022	Not In Jersey	Review
1/25/2022	Hauntedbybooks	Review
1/25/2022	The Book Review Crew	Review
1/26/2022	The Momma Spot	Review
1/26/2022	Bookhounds YA	Review
1/27/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
1/27/2022	Perusewithcoffee	Review
1/28/2022	PopTheButterfly Reads	Review
1/28/2022	Cindy's Love of Books	Review

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Book Spotlight - A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm by Ginger Zee

About The Book:

Title: A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME

Author: Ginger Zee

Pub. Date: January 11, 2022

Publisher: Hyperion Avenue

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 288

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

In Ginger Zee's follow-up to the bestselling Natural Disaster, the ABC chief meteorologist takes readers on a much deeper journey of self discovery.

When Ginger Zee opened her life to readers in Natural Disaster, the response was enormous. She put a very relatable if surprising face on depression and has helped lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues. But Ginger tells us, Natural Disaster was "Ginger Lite" and only scratched the surface.

In this moving follow-up, Ginger shares her truest self. She spent most of her life shielding her vulnerabilities from the world all while being a professional people pleaser. Her stormy childhood, her ongoing struggles with crippling depression, her suicide attempts, and many other life experiences will resonate with readers who are likely to see themselves along the way.

In spite of its serious subject matter, Ginger's positive, life-affirming outlook comes through loud and clear. Written with great heart and quite a bit of humor, Ginger normalizes issues and challenges millions of people face every day. A Little Closer to Home will broaden the conversation around mental health at a time we need it more than ever.

Grab Ginger's first book Natural Disaster now!

About Ginger Zee:

Ginger Zee is the Chief Meteorologist for ABC News, forecasting for and reporting on the nation's weather from Good Morning America to World News Tonight. Zee has been on the ground before, during and after almost every major weather event and dozens of historic storms including Hurricane Katrina. She watched as the eye of Superstorm Sandy passed over Atlantic City and then covered the devastated Jersey Shore; she was there for the 2020 California wildfires and for the unprecedented number of hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. Zee’s dedication to science began at an early age, watching powerful thunderstorms rush across Lake Michigan. Her passion for meteorology brought her to stormchase in college at Valparaiso University where she earned her bachelor of science in meteorology.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/1/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

Week Two:

1/2/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
1/3/2022	Mythical Books	Excerpt
1/4/2022	Book-Keeping	Excerpt
1/5/2022	Pick a good book	Review
1/6/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review
1/7/2022	Drunk On Pop	Excerpt
1/8/2022	Ashleyreads13	Review

Week Three:

1/9/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
1/10/2022	The Book Review Crew	Review
1/11/2022	perusewithcoffee	Review
1/12/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
1/13/2022	One More Exclamation	Review
1/14/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review
1/15/2022	Lexijava	Review

Week Four:

1/16/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Excerpt
1/17/2022	The Momma Spot	Excerpt
1/18/2022	_BookBound_	Review
1/19/2022	YA Books Central	Excerpt
1/20/2022	mall3tg1rl	Review
1/21/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
1/22/2022	Phannie the ginger bookworm	Review

Week Five:

1/23/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
1/24/2022	More Books Please blog	Review
1/25/2022	GivernyReads	Review
1/26/2022	Coffee and Wander Book Reviews	Review
1/27/2022	@curlygrannylovestoread	Review
1/28/2022	Living For Literature	Review
1/29/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review

Week Six:

1/30/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
1/31/2022	@jypsylynn	Review

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Book Review - Tiger Honor (Thousand Worlds, #2) by Yoon Ha Lee + Giveaway

Sebin is a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan. They want nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces like their role model, Uncle Hwan. Their uncle Hwan is a captain of a battle cruiser and Sebin wants to be just like him. When Sebin finally receives an acceptance letter to join the Space Forces, it becomes tainted when they finds out news about that Hwan. Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently, Hwan abandoned his duty to the Space Forces to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes that they can help clear up Hwan's name and restore honor to the clan.

During Sebin's first day of orientation, they met a special investigator named Yi and Yi's assistant, Min. Yi tells Sebin that they must report to the ship Haetae and wait for further instructions on their special mission. Sebin finds it unusual to break protocol but, they forget all about it when there is an explosion on the ship. Sebin and the other cadets find that the crew is knocked out and the communication system is offline. Sebin and the others are determined to find out who is sabotaging the battle cruiser but, then Sebin is accused of being a traitor and collaborating with the enemy. Can Sebin find a way to stop the threat before it's too late?

I didn't realize this book was a part of a series but, I was able to read and follow the story as a standalone. I felt like there was some nuances that I missed but, overall I was able to follow along. I thought the author did a great job with world-building and being inclusive with an array of characters. I was a bit torn when reading this book. I enjoyed reading about Sebin and their adventure and look forward to reading more. However, I am not so sure I am in love with the ending. It was a bit predictable and I have a feeling it was written like that to allow more book but, I was kind of hoping it went the other way. The book was interesting enough that I would read more books in the series including the one I skipped.

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

About The Book:

Title: TIGER HONOR (Thousand Worlds #2)

Author: Yoon Ha Lee

Pub. Date: January 4, 2022

Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 256

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

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Yoon Ha Lee's companion to the best-selling and award-winning DRAGON PEARL, another space opera inspired by Korean mythology, this time told from the point of view of a nonbinary tiger spirit.

"A zesty mix of Korean folklore, magic, and science fiction that will leave you longing for more adventures in the Thousand Worlds!"--Rick Riordan, intro to DRAGON PEARL

"With crisp dialogue, a winning protagonist and a propulsive plot, this tale is enormously entertaining."--New York Times Book Review of DRAGON PEARL

Sebin, a young tiger spirit from the Juhwang Clan, wants nothing more than to join the Thousand World Space Forces and, like their Uncle Hwan, captain a battle cruiser someday. But when Sebin's acceptance letter finally arrives, it's accompanied by the shocking news that Hwan has been declared a traitor. Apparently the captain abandoned his duty to steal a magical artifact, the Dragon Pearl, and his whereabouts are still unknown. Sebin hopes to help clear their hero's name and restore honor to the clan.

Nothing goes according to plan, however. As soon as Sebin arrives for orientation, they are met by a special investigator named Yi and Yi's assistant, a girl named Min. Yi informs Sebin that they must immediately report to the ship Haetae and await further instructions. Sebin finds this highly unusual, but soon all protocol is forgotten when there's an explosion on the ship, the crew is knocked out, and the communication system goes down. It's up to Sebin, three other cadets, and Yi and Min to determine who is sabotaging the battle cruiser. When Sebin is suddenly accused of collaborating with the enemy, the cadet realizes that Min is the most dangerous foe of all...

Yoon Ha Lee brilliantly turns the tables on DRAGON PEARL in another unputdownable sci-fi adventure about what honor really means.

Grab book 1, DRAGON PEARL NOW!

About Yoon Ha Lee:

Yoon Ha Lee (yoonhalee.com) is the New York Times best-selling author of Dragon Pearl, a companion to this book and winner of the Locus Award and the Mythopoeic Award. He has also published several books for adults, including a standalone fantasy entitled Phoenix Extravagant, and the Machineries of Empire space opera trilogy: Ninefox Gambit, Raven Strategem, and Revenant Gun. Yoon draws inspiration from a variety of sources, e.g. Korean history and mythology, fairy tales, higher mathematics, classic moral dilemmas, and genre fiction. His website can be found at yoonhalee.com and his Twitter handle is @deuceofgears.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of TIGER HONOR, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/1/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

Week Two:

1/2/2022	YA Books Central	Excerpt
1/3/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
1/4/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review
1/5/2022	Celia's Reads-blog	Review
1/6/2022	The Momma Spot	Review
1/7/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
1/8/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review

Week Three:

1/9/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review
1/10/2022	Wilted Pages	Review
1/11/2022	Okie Dreams	Review
1/12/2022	Bri's Book Nook	Review
1/13/2022	Books Are Magic Too	Review
1/14/2022	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
1/15/2022	The Book Review Crew	Review

Week Four:

1/16/2022	Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog	Review
1/17/2022	onemused	Review
1/18/2022	bookbriefs	Review
1/19/2022	A Backwards Story	Review
1/20/2022	Feed Your Fiction Addiction	Review
1/21/2022	Utopia State of Mind	Review
1/22/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review

Week Five:

1/23/2022	Lexijava_Bookish	Review
1/24/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
1/25/2022	Bookwyrming Thoughts	Review
1/26/2022	More Books Please blog	Review
1/27/2022	popthebutterfly	Review
1/28/2022	@drewsim12	Review
1/29/2022	@thebookishfoxwitch	Review

Week Six:

1/30/2022	Reading Wordsmith	Review
1/31/2022	Everyone’s Librarian	Review