Friday, November 9, 2018

Book Review - The Truth About Martians by Melissa Savage + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Mylo Affinito believes that he missing essential parts, such as bravery, muscles, and facial hair. When there is a rumor of aliens crash landing near their home in Roswell, New  Mexico; Mylo and his friends set out to discover more about the Martians.  Mylo never believed in aliens but, when he starts hearing a voice pleading for help, he decides to follow his heart. Together with his friends, they set out on an epic adventure to investigate the crash and find out who is calling for help. However, what they discover, might change their lives forever. 
 This book gave me all the feels. It was a great and interesting read from start to finish. All of the characters were flawed but, trying to become better and do better. However, when someone they care about needs help, they put aside their feelings and fears to help. Overall,  I found it to be an enjoyable read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


About the Book:
Author: Melissa Savage
Pub. Date: October 2, 2018
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 336
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonAudibleB&NiBooksTBD

A boy and his best friends set out to discover the aliens who crash-landed next to their Roswell, New Mexico, farm in this charming novel packed with adventure and heart, perfect for fans of Ali Benjamin's The Thing About Jellyfish and Jennifer L. Holm's The Fourteenth Goldfish.

Mylo never really believed in Martians, unless they had a starring role in one of his comic books. But then a flying saucer crash-lands next to his Roswell, New Mexico, ranch, and he starts to hear voices--like someone is asking for his help.

With his best friend Dibs and crush Gracie by his side, and his Cracker Jack superhero membership card, a slingshot, and a small American flag--for peace--in tow, Mylo sets out on an epic adventure to investigate the crash and find the Martians. But he and his friends end up discovering more about the universe than they ever could have imagined.





About Melissa: 

Melissa D. Savage’s first book, The Lost Pony, premiered in her second grade classroom, winning high praise from critics such as her mom. Although the book was hand written and self-illustrated in Crayola Crayons, it was this experience that began her love of writing and to this day she still believes was one of her best works. Melissa continued to create stories growing up, writing different adventures for friends to read and later completed a Master’s Degree in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Hamline University in Minnesota. She was privileged to be able to receive guidance from amazing authors, educators, and fellow writers who shared their wisdom, experience, and support. Most recently, Melissa’s debut book, Lemons has been recognized by the American Booksellers Association on their Independent Booksellers’ debut picks of the season list, Indies Introduce Winter/Spring 2017.  Additionally, Bigfoot, Tobin & Me (The UK/Commonwealth version of Lemons published by Chicken House Books) has been recognized as Children’s Book of the Month with WHSmith.

Melissa is a writer and a child and family therapist. She has worked with families struggling with issues of abuse, trauma and loss/bereavement. She believes that expressing oneself through writing can be a very healing process when struggling with difficulties in life.  In addition it can be a vehicle in which to honor, celebrate and continue to share the spirits of the special people who have left us too soon. Melissa lives in Minneapolis with her family. You can follow her on Twitter at @melissadsavage.



 
Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE TRUTH ABOUT MARTIANS, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week Two:
11/5/2018- The Desert BibliophileReview
11/6/2018- Good Choice ReadingExcerpt
11/7/2018- Jaime's WorldExcerpt
11/8/2018- ParajunkeeExcerpt
11/9/2018- Two Points of InterestReview


Thursday, November 8, 2018

Book Review - Words We Don't Say by K.J. Reilly + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

Joel has over 901 unsent message saved to his phone. Sometimes, he has trouble explaining his true feelings to certain people. He spends his day going to school, volunteering at the soup kitchen, and thinking about his crush, Eli. 
After having a dismal sophomore year, Joel doesn't have high hopes for his junior year. His best friend, Andy is gone, Eli has no idea how Joel feels about her, and Joel did terrible on the SATs. Together with Eli and Benji, Joel begins to connect with the people he serves at the soup kitchen. He starts to realize everyone has their own pain they are dealing with.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this novel. I thought it was going to be about a misunderstood kid who brings harm to other kids at school. Instead, it was about acceptance, grieving, and being a good friend. I found the novel to be a bit slow at first but, I thought the ending was done very well. Overall, a good read to read at least once.
 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.** 

About the Book:
Author: K.J. Reilly
Pub. Date: October 2, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 288
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonB&NiBooksTBD

Joel Higgins has 901 unsent text messages saved on his phone.

Ever since the thing that happened, there are certain people he hasn't been able to talk to in person. Sure, he shows up at school, does his mandatory volunteer hours at the soup kitchen, and spends pretty much every moment thinking about Eli, the most amazing girl in the world. But that doesn't mean he's keeping it together, or even that he has any friends.

So instead of hanging out with people in real life, he drafts text messages. But he never presses send.

As dismal as sophomore year was for Joel, he doesn't see how junior year will be any better. For starters, Eli doesn't know how he feels about her, his best friend Andy's gone, and he basically bombed the SATs. But as Joel spends more time at the soup kitchen with Eli and Benj, the new kid whose mouth seems to be unconnected to his brain, he forms bonds with the people they serve there-including a veteran they call Rooster-and begins to understand that the world is bigger than his own pain. 




About K.J.:
I am the author of the (contemporary social issue) Young Adult book, Words We Don't Say (Disney Hyperion Oct 2, 2018).



Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WORDS WE DON’T SAY, US Only.



Rafflecopter link:


Tour Schedule:
Week Five:
11/5/2018- Coffee, Books and CakesReview
11/6/2018- Savings in SecondsReview
11/7/2018- Novel NoviceExcerpt
11/8/2018- For the Love of KidLitSpotlight
11/9/2018- Two points of interestReview