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Monday, September 26, 2022


Blog Tour: THE TROUBLE WITH ROBOTS Review + Giveaway

A middle grade book with queer rep and autistic rep?!? Yes, I knew that I needed to read this book. Getting to take part in Rockstar’s tour for this book is very exciting and I am so pleased that I was able to read this book. I was beyond excited to be able to host a spot on THE TROUBLE WITH ROBOTS by Michelle Mohrweis Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE TROUBLE WITH ROBOTS

Thursday, September 22, 2022


Review: IN THE ROLE OF BRIE HUTCHINS... by Nicole Melleby

 


Book Details

Title: In the Role of Brie Hutchins...
Author: Nicole Melleby
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Genre(s): Middle Grade, LGBT, Contemporary
Pages: 266
Bookshop Purchase Link: https://bookshop.org/a/67041/9781616209070

Review: THIS IS OUR RAINBOW anthology edited by Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby

 


Book Details

Title: This Is Our Rainbow
Edited by: Katherine Locke and Nicole Melleby
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 19, 2021
Genre(s): Middle Grade, LGBT, Anthology, Fantasy, Contemporary
Pages: 336
Bookshop Purchase Link: https://bookshop.org/a/67041/9780593303955

Wednesday, September 21, 2022


Review: CAN'T THINK STRAIGHT by Isabel Scheck

 


Book Details

Title: Can't Think Straight: LGBTQ(plus) Poetry
Author: Isabel Scheck
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Genre(s): LGBT, Poetry
Pages: 45
Purchase Link: https://www.lulu.com/shop/isabel-scheck/cant-think-straight/paperback/product-mv998q.html

Monday, September 19, 2022


Review: THE BOY WITH A BIRD IN HIS CHEST by Emme Lund

 


Book Details

Title: The Boy with a Bird in His Chest
Author: Emme Lund
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: February 15, 2022
Genre(s): Adult, LGBT, Magical Realism, Fantasy
Pages: 308
Bookshop Purchase Link: https://bookshop.org/a/67041/9781982171933

Thursday, September 15, 2022


Blog Tour: DRESSING UP THE STARS

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the DRESSING UP THE STARS: THE STORY OF MOVIE COSTUME DESIGNER EDITH HEAD by Jeanne Walker Harvey & Diana Toledano (Illustrations) Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: DRESSING UP THE STARS: THE STORY OF MOVIE COSTUME DESIGNER EDITH HEAD

Author: Jeanne Walker Harvey & Diana Toledano (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: September 20, 2022

Publisher: Beach Lane Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 40

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&NiBooks, KoboTBD, Bookshop.org

 Discover the true story of how a shy miner’s daughter became one of the most legendary costume designers in Hollywood in this inspiring nonfiction picture book biography.

As a child in the small mining town of Searchlight, Nevada, Edith Head had few friends and spent most of her time dressing up her toys and pets and even wild animals using fabric scraps. She always knew she wanted to move somewhere full of people and excitement. She set her sights on Hollywood and talked her way into a job sketching costumes for a movie studio.

Did she know how to draw or sew costumes? No. But that didn’t stop her!

Edith taught herself and tirelessly worked her way up until she was dressing some of the biggest stars of the day, from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly to Ginger Rogers. She became the first woman to head a major Hollywood movie studio costume department and went on to win eight Academy Awards for best costume design—and she defined the style of an era.

 

My Review:

A cute picture book full of amazing art. This children's book tells the story of Edith Head, an amazing costume designer.

I wanted to know more about this character because of what she did. I didn't know much about costume designers and even less about this specific one, but I wanted to learn more. This book was quite an insight into Edith Head's life.

The story was brilliantly told in this book. Especially the parts where she made mistakes and things didn't work. I love that that was included. It's possible to fail at the beginning but if you strive to get better, you might be able to do it.

The artwork in this was gorgeous. The art of her outfits and sketches were amazing. I loved the colors and the rather simplistic artwork. Not simplistic in a bad way, more that the entire pages weren't taken up by things that could steal your attention.

 

About Jeanne Walker Harvey:

JEANNE WALKER HARVEY studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn  many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school  language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of  Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book  biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with  Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, and Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines. Jeanne  lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon

 



About Diana Toledano:

DIANA TOLEDANO is an illustrator, writer, and educator. She is also a Pisces who loves children’s books, patterns, and dancing her heart out. Originally from Spain, Diana (pronounced the Spanish way: dee-ah-na) grew up in Madrid where she studied art history and illustration. Now she lives in San Francisco with her husband and two fluffy cats. Her mixed media art seeks to capture the magic of the ordinary. Diana’s product designs, picture books, board books, and chapter books have been published and sold all over the world. Diana also teaches workshops for kids and adults. She enjoys doing school visits and speaking at conferences. Learn more at Diana-Toledano.com.

 

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

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of DRESSING UP THE STARS: THE STORY OF MOVIE COSTUME DESIGNER EDITH HEAD, US Only.

Ends September 24th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/31/2022

@jael_and_jenessa_reads

Review/IG Post

9/1/2022

Lisa-Queen of Random

Excerpt/IG Post

9/2/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt/IG Post

9/3/2022

Ya Books Central

Excerpt

Week Two:

9/4/2022

Just Another Teen Reading Books

Review/IG Post

9/5/2022

booksaremagictoo

Review/IG Post

9/6/2022

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

9/7/2022

Little Red Reads

Review/IG Post

9/8/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review/IG Post

9/9/2022

Nerdophiles

Review/IG Post

9/10/2022

Do You Dog-ear?

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

9/11/2022

RavenzReviewz

Review/IG Post

9/12/2022

pickagoodbook

Review/IG Post

9/13/2022

Write. Read. Live

Review/IG Post

9/14/2022

A Backwards Story

Review/IG Post

9/15/2022

Nonbinary Knight Reads

Review/IG Post

9/16/2022

For The Love Of The Page

Review/IG Post

9/17/2022

Feed Your Fiction Addiction

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

9/18/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

9/19/2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post


Wednesday, September 14, 2022


Review: I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE by Riley Rian

 


Book Details

Title: I Love You Just the Way You Are
Author: Riley Rian
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: June 20, 2022
Genre(s): Young Adult, LGBT, Romance
Pages: 487

Tuesday, September 13, 2022


Blog Tour: QUEST KIDS AND THE DRAGON PANTS OF GOLD Review + Giveaway

I am super excited to be taking part in the QUEST KIDS AND THE DRAGON PANTS OF GOLD by Mark Leiknes Blog Tour being hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review and make sure you scroll to the bottom to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: QUEST KIDS AND THE DRAGON PANTS OF GOLD

Author: Mark Leiknes

Pub. Date: September 13, 2022

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 336

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&NiBooks, TBD, Bookshop.org

Comics artist Mark Leiknes delivers a laugh-out-loud story set in a fantastic world of dragons, rock creatures, and golden loungewear.

 The Quest Kids are ready for their first real quest. This time, they won’t oversleep, they won’t be put off by a little rain, and they won’t accidentally burn down the village that hired them. All they have to do is find the Golden-Fleeced Rage Beast, shave it, and make a really nice golden tracksuit to appease a furious dragon. Simple, right?
 
Meet the Quest Kids crew: Gil, a wizard (well, wizard in training . . . the beard isn’t his); Terra, a 700-year-old elf kid; Boulder, a rock troll who is more of a cook than a fighter; Ash, a flatulent pig-dog-maybe-lizard hybrid; and, Ned, the intrepid and overly optimistic leader with his own personal quest to find his missing parents. With humor, magic, mystery, and at least one acid swamp filled with skeletal alligators, Quest Kids and the Dragon Pants of Gold is a richly illustrated saga of fantasy friendship for readers from all kingdoms! 

Review:

“Young readers dipping their toes into fantasy realms will find plenty to enjoy here….The illustrations bounce along as quickly as the text, making this a bubbly read, one that quickly grabs attention and doesn’t require much hand-holding.... A rip-roaring good time.” — Kirkus Reviews

 

My Rating: 5/5 stars

My Review:

I don't know what to say other than "I love this book". I don't often get to read books like this that leave me laughing the entire way through. It was an honest pleasure and reminded me of some of the books I read when I was younger.

I was hooked. I loved the art in the book and the way the story was told. I absolutely adore how funny it was and how the story was 'narrated'. It was a unique ride and I was hooked from the beginning. I mean...how often do you see adventurers steal pants? I couldn't help but be enthralled by the unique style and story.

If you want a quick read, I'd recommend it. This book isn't for people who only want serious reads. But if you want to read something fun that will touch your inner child, give this book a shot.

 

About Mark Leiknes:

Mark Leiknes lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with his wife and three kids. He produced a nationally syndicated comic strip for eight years and now he writes and illustrates books that he hopes his kids will enjoy. And most times they do!

 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

 



Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of QUEST KIDS AND THE DRAGON PANTS OF GOLD, US Only.

Ends September 20th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/5/2022

@jacleomik33

IG Review

9/6/2022

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

9/7/2022

Ya Books Central

Guest Post

9/8/2022

The Bookwyrm's Den

Review

9/9/2022

Nerdophiles

Review

Week Two:

9/12/2022

Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog

Review/IG Post

9/13/2022

Nonbinary Knight Reads

Review/IG Post

9/14/2022

@froggyreadteach

IG Review/Read Part of Book Out Loud

9/15/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

9/16/2022

@just_another_mother_with_books

IG Review


Saturday, September 3, 2022


Blog Tour: RAISING THE HORSEMAN Review + Giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the RAISING THE HORSEMAN by Serena Valentino Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About the Book

Title: RAISING THE HORSEMAN

Author: Serena Valentino

Pub. Date: September 6, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 304

Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

From the New York Times best-selling author of Disney’s Villains series comes a ghostly new stand-alone novel that reimagines The Legend of Sleepy Hollow through the eyes of a modern teen.

The two-hundredth anniversary of the Headless Horseman's legendary haunting of Sleepy Hollow is approaching, but Kat van Tassel wants nothing to do with the town's superstitious celebrations. As a descendant of the original Katrina van Tassel, Kat knows she’s expected to fulfill her ancestor’s legacy by someday marrying her longtime boyfriend and running the prestigious family estate. But Kat dreams of a life outside Sleepy Hollow.
 
Then Kat meets Isadora, a new girl in town who challenges Kat to reexamine those expectations, opens her eyes to the possibility that ghosts are real, and makes her question who she truly wants to be . . . and be with.
 
When Kat is given the original Katrina’s diary, a new legend begins to take shape, one that weaves together the past and the present in eerie ways. Can Kat uncover a two-hundred-year-old secret, and trace its shocking reverberations in her own life, in time to protect what she truly loves?
 
Fans of Serena Valentino will delight in this supernatural coming-of-age tale that finally gives the women of Sleepy Hollow a chance to tell their side of the story.

Review:

“A sweet retelling of a spooky classic.”Kirkus Reviews

 

This was an interesting book to read. I quite like retellings so I was interested to get my hands on this book. Plus, that cover is absolutely gorgeous and I knew that I needed to read it. (Seriously, those colors and the eyes of the pumpkin. Just gorgeous!!)

I quite enjoyed reading this book. It took me a bit to get into it, but eventually it caught and kept my attention. I thought it was a really pleasant read. I liked the characters well enough even if none of them stood out to me as amazing.

I also really enjoyed the story being told through Kat and Katrina (via her journal). I thought it added a really interesting approach and I was a big fan of it.

I definitely think I like this author's writing style and I look forward to reading more of Valentino's books. This book isn't a new favorite of mine, but I did find that I quite enjoyed it. I thought it was a pleasant read, I'd especially recommend it as a nice read for the October/Fall/Halloween season that's coming up soon.


About Serena Valentino:

Serena Valentino has been weaving tales that combine mythos and guile for the past decade. She has earned critical acclaim in both the comic and horror domains, where she is known for her unique style of storytelling, bringing her readers into exquisitely frightening worlds filled with terror, beauty, and extraordinary protagonists. The books in her best-selling Villains series are best enjoyed when read in the following order: Fairest of All, The Beast Within, Poor Unfortunate Soul, Mistress of All Evil, Mother Knows Best, Odd Sisters, Evil ThingCold Hearted, and Never Never. She is also the author of the Villains graphic novels Evil Thing and Fairest of All.

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

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of RAISING THE HORSEMAN, US Only.

Ends October 7th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/1/2022

Celia's Reads

Review/IG Post

9/2/2022

booksaremagictoo

Review/IG Post

9/3/2022

Nonbinary Knight Reads

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

9/4/2022

Nerdophiles

Review

9/5/2022

@ReaderOfTheWrittenWord

IG Review

9/6/2022

Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog

Review/IG Post

9/7/2022

Book-Keeping

Review/IG Post

9/8/2022

Ya Books Central

Excerpt

9/9/2022

A Dream Within A Dream

Review/IG Post

9/10/2022

@lexijava

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

9/11/2022

Laurenreads._

IG Review

9/12/2022

The Bookwyrm's Den

Review

9/13/2022

Forthenovellovers

Review

9/14/2022

GryffindorBookishNerd

IG Review

9/15/2022

Epic Book Society

Review/IG Post

9/16/2022

@booksrn_rashi

Review/IG Post

9/17/2022

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

9/18/2022

hauntedbybooks

Review/IG Post

9/19/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

9/20/2022

Novel Novice

IG Spotlight

9/21/2022

@ReadsReaders

YouTube Review/IG Post

9/22/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

9/23/2022

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

9/24/2022

Momfluenster

IG Review/FB Post

Week Five:

9/25/2022

PopTheButterfly Reads

Review/IG Post

9/26/2022

@drew_ambitious_reading

IG Review/TikTok Post

9/27/2022

@thebookishfoxwitch

IG Review

9/28/2022

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

9/29/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review/IG Post

9/30/2022

onemused

IG Review


Book Tour: THE GIRL, THE RING, & THE BASEBALL BAT review

  Book Details Title : The Girl, The Ring, & The Baseball Bat Author : Camille Gomera-Tavarez Publisher : Le...