Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Book Review - Captain Superlative by J. S. Puller + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Janey Silverman is used to being ignored and treated like she doesn't exist. But when a student dons a blue wig, red mask, and silver swimsuit to impart a kindness on citizens, Janey is both in awe and confused by the masked hero, Captain Superlative. She is used to being in the shadows, but when she is accidentally pulled into the spotlight, Janey is unsure how to react. When Janey starts a friendship with the budding superhero, she is pulled out from her comfort zone. She starts to define who she wants to be in life. However, her newfound friendship causes Janey to be a target of the school's bully, Dagmar. When Janey discovers her superhero's dark secret, she questions their mission and their friendship. Will Janey and Captain Superlative be able to stay friends or will the secret tear them apart?

The novel was an emotional and wonderful read. While Captain Superlative's dark secret was a bit predictable, it was done with an emotional pull that made readers bond with the characters. The story showed readers a different way people can deal with tragedy along with delicate nature of friendships.  The novel shows how people have the power to chose their own destiny instead of having one specific trait define them. I found the novel to be an inspiring read with a satisfying ending.

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


About the Book:
Title: CAPTAIN SUPERLATIVE
Author: J.S. Puller
Pub. Date: May 8, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 256
Find it: AmazonB&NiBooksTBDGoodreads

"Have no fear, citizens! Captain Superlative is here to make all troubles disappear!"

Red mask, blue wig, silver swimsuit, rubber gloves, torn tights, high top sneakers and . . . a cape? Who would run through the halls of Deerwood Park Middle School dressed like this? And why?

Janey-quick to stay in the shadows-can't resist the urge to uncover the truth behind the mask. The answer pulls invisible Janey into the spotlight and leads her to an unexpected friendship with a superhero like no other. Fearless even in the face of school bully extraordinaire, Dagmar Hagen, no good deed is too small for the incomparable Captain Superlative and her new sidekick, Janey.

But superheroes hold secrets and Captain Superlative is no exception. When Janey unearths what's truly at stake, she's forced to face her own dark secrets and discover what it truly means to be a hero . . . and a friend.

About J.S.: 
J. S. Puller a playwright and debut author from the Windy City, Chicago. She has a master's degree in elementary education and a bachelor's degree in theatre from Northwestern University. She is an award-winning member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and is actively involved in researching the social-emotional benefits of arts education with the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. When not writing, she can usually be found in the theatre. Her play, WOMEN WHO WEAVE, was published by Playscripts, Inc.


Giveaway Details:


a Rafflecopter giveaway  

3 winners will receive a finished copy of CAPTAIN SUPERLATIVE, US Only.


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/30/2018- BookHounds YAInterview

5/1/2018- Two Points of InterestReview
5/2/2018- RhythmicBooktrovert - Review
5/3/2018- Wonder StruckReview
5/4/2018- A Dream Within A DreamExcerpt
 


Monday, April 30, 2018

Book Review - One of a Kind by Chris Gorman

Photo Credit - Amazon
The child in the story details the ways he is unique from his peers. He listens to punk rock music, dresses differently and expresses himself in his way. He realizes he is lonely and wishes he had someone to share his uniqueness with.


I thought the kids I volunteer with would enjoy the way the book was illustrated but didn't like it. I found the message of a confident kid proud to be different and unique. However, I did find it a bit odd that he wanted people who shared a common interest when he was mentioning the ways that made him unique. But I think the underlying message is being unique good but everyone needs a community where you can have share common interests together.


Engagement Activities -
1. What are the traits that make you unique?
2. What are different the unique traits your friends have?
3.  What are the common traits do you and your friends share?
4.  What unique trait are you most proud of?

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

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Fizz & Bubble Spa Bath Frizzy Truffles









I received these spa bath frizzy truffles from a friend as a gift. I love taking baths so I was so excited to receive bath products, but even more excited when it's from a new brand. The Shea butter enriched bath frizzies promise to foam and fizz. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much with how small they are and to be fair, the box recommended mixing a few truffles. Each truffle had a different scent and smelled amazing, but once they were dropped in, they were done. I would suggest this gift for a teen or someone who likes novelty items as I didn’t find them as enjoyable as a Lush bath bomb.