Lazy Days of Summer $250 Cash Giveaway

 

  Lazy Days of Summer $250 Cash Giveaway July 6th to 26th An Amazing Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined together to bring you 1 fabulous prize!! 

We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash.   

Giveaway Details 
 $250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code) Ends 7/26/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. 

Sponsor List 
I Am A Reader Unshelfish The Discerning Reader Raven Haired Girl Author Camelia Miron Skiba TMBA Corbett Rachelle J. Christensen Krysten Lindsay Hager, author Heather Boyd Author Dorothy Dreyer Free Bookster Rae Lori The Late Bloomer's Book Blog Laurie Treacy, author Kindle and Me Glistering Bs Blog FaeBooks Jennifer Faye, Romance Author Bookworm Lisa Simple Wyrdings B. Kristin McMichael Tim Hemlin Literary Winner Diana's Book Reviews Magical Cool Cat Mysteries LeahSay's Views Author Inger Iversen J.C. Whyte Heather Gray  

Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway   

Hypnotize a Tiger: Poems About Just About Everything by Calef Brown

Hypnotize a Tiger: Poems About Just About Everything
by Calef Brown
Published March 2015 
Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan)
Poetry
Review copy obtained from publisher

This book is definitely a hilarious collection of poems about lots of different things. There are poems about real and imaginary animals, school, food, vehicles and more. Each is accompanied by his signature fun and silly illustrations. Under many of the poems are characters that comment on the poem or offer a random question or information.

To say that Brown has a way with words is quite the understatement. He is known for his humourous and zany use of language. He uses rhyme, homonyms, alliteration, creative vocabulary, potmanteaus and puns (and several other techniques I can not describe) to create an experience of nonsensical word play. The poems beg to be read out loud. I can imagine children wanting to share them with each other and reading them over and over again. 

Here is an excerpt from ANTS on page 37

I don't mean to nitpick,
but I went to a picnic, 
and ants were rampant!
I saw one take a crumpet. 


There is a Q and A section near the back where the author answers questions about himself (mostly in verse, of course). He also sends the reader off with parting thoughts urging them to "heed the call" and write. 

Kids will love Hypnotize a Tiger. It would make a fabulous addition to any classroom or personal poetry collection. I would recommend it for grades 2-6. 

What Others Think About Hypnotize a Tiger
Kirkus Reviews
Kids Read
Great Kid Books

Visit Calef Brown's Website for more information about his work. 

Ruby on the Outside by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Ruby on the Outside 
by Nora Raleigh Baskin
Published June 2015 
Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
176 pages
Middle Grade Fiction
Review copy provided by publisher



Goodreads Summary

Ruby’s mom is in prison, and to tell anyone the truth is to risk true friendship in this novel that accurately and sensitively addresses a subject too often overlooked.

Eleven-year-old Ruby Danes is about to start middle school, and only her aunt knows her deepest, darkest, most secret secret: her mother is in prison.

Then Margalit Tipps moves into Ruby’s condo complex, and the two immediately hit it off. Ruby thinks she’s found her first true-blue friend—but can she tell Margalit the truth about her mom? Maybe not. Because it turns out that Margalit’s family history seems closely connected to the very event that put her mother in prison, and if Ruby comes clean, she could lose everything she cares about most.

My Thoughts

Some might pick up this book and think that it is just about a young girl whose mother is in prison. It is about that, but it is also about love, the power of having one true friend and dealing with what life hands you.  Ruby has lived with her aunt whom she calls Mattoo since her mom went to prison several years prior. She visits her mother each Saturday, but has given up hope of seeing her mother get out of prison any time "soon". When she was younger, she never wanted to know much about the circumstances that landed her mother in prison. She just treasured the time she had with her and hoped with all her might that one of these visits, her mother would come home with her. 

When Ruby meets Margalit, lots of things change.  Finally Ruby feels like she has a shot at having a true friend. The author carefully develops this friendship and makes you feel their happiness and Ruby's pull to want to trust Margalit. Through her genuine interest and obvious desire to befriend Ruby, Margalit is able to get Ruby to peek through her wall of protection. 

Ruby fears that the secret of having a mother in jail might be too much for her new friend to accept. When she learns more about her mother's crime and discovers that it might somehow be related to a tragedy in Margalit's family, Ruby is forced to deal with strong, new emotions. Anger, fear, guilt and betrayal are all starting to bubble to the surface as she tries desperately to hide her secret. 

In a mere 176 pages, Nora Raleigh Baskin tells a story that makes you fall in love with the main character and root for her as she navigates the complex and confusing world in which she lives. This book is a page-turner because you just HAVE to discover how it all turns out in the end. 

I can not wait to share Ruby on the Outside with my fourth graders this year. Ruby deals with many of the complexities of friendship and trust that many students in late elementary and middle school face. I think fans of books like Lynda Mullaly Hunt's One for the Murphy's will particularly enjoy it. This book would make a wonderful read aloud, book club book or independent read. 

See what others have to say about Ruby on the Outside. 

Kirkus Reviews

Book Page

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-Dirtmeister's Nitty Gritty Planet Earth by Steve Tomecek

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.


Ok, so technically this is not a picture book, but I thought I would still share it here because it is amazing!

Dirtmeister's Nitty Gritty Planet Earth 

by Steve Tomecek

Illustrated by Fred Harper

Published June, 2015 by National Geographic Children's Books

Nonfiction

128 pages

Goodreads Summary

Come and explore the world under your feet with the Dirtmeister and friends! Part graphic novel, part fun guidebook, this very cool, rocky journey introduces both eager and reluctant readers to the basic geologic processes that shape our Earth. Clear and concise explanations of the various geologic processes reveal the comprehensive science behind each fascinating topic. Fun facts and simple DIY experiments reinforce the concepts while short biographies of important scientists inspire future geo-scientists.

My Thoughts

This book was written by geologist Steve Tomecek (aka The Dirtmeister). First of all, I learned a TON! Did you know that after studying the way our tectonic plates move, scientists believe that the ocean will eventually flow through the middle of Africa millions of years from now (pg 65)? Or that there are glaciers at the top of Mt. Kilmanjaro even though it is near the equator (pg 77)? Crazy right? 
This book is a one-stop resource for anything you need or want to know about the Earth. The information is presented in digestible pieces with accompanying visuals and extra tidbits of info snuck in. There are mini scientist bios and invitations to "try this" where kids can do a project at home to help further their understanding of the concept. Each chapter starts with a two page cartoon that will absolutely hook kids (and adults). The photos, diagrams, maps and charts are incredible and work with the text beautifully. Visit this site at DOGObooks to take a look inside this beautiful book. 

Dirtmeister's Nitty Gritty Planet Earth is a must-have resource for any grade 3+ classroom. 

What others are saying about Dirtmeister's Nitty Gritty Planet Earth.
New York Journal of Books

Not Having to Nag-Slice of Life Post-July 7, 2015

Each Tuesday the amazing bloggers at Two Writing Teachers host Slice of Life Stories (SOLS). This is where bloggers link up to share anything they would like to share about what is happening in their lives. 

Each summer it is the same story. My daughter, who is 13 and going into 8th grade, resists reading and I need to "suggest" that she read from time to time which usually leads to eye rolling, heavy sighs and the whole bit. Well, not this summer! Molly always listens to her teachers so when she was assigned the task of reading a book this summer she took it seriously (I know, I don't like assigned reading either, but that is a different discussion). She was given a list of books as suggested reading. I looked it over and saw that Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson was on the list. I had a copy and knew Molly would love it. I had to temper my enthusiasm because nothing makes her want to read a book less than my being excited about it. I mentioned that I had a copy if she wanted to read it.
As I had predicted, she was hooked from the beginning. I always know when she is into a book because she keeps reading me quotes. I can't think of a more quotable book, can you? Over the week she read without being asked and for long periods of time until she was finished. "Wow Mom, that was a good book, can we talk about it?" 
To which I replied, "Of course!" while trying not to do a very uncool happy dance. As we talked I told her about my brief meeting with the author at NCTE in Boston where I was introduced to her and shook her hand. She stared at me, mouth agape and in that moment I was a rock star! 
While I do not like the idea of assigned summer reading and really despise the lengthy list of questions and activities she now has to do with the book, I am thankful for this positive summer reading experience with my daughter. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? July 6, 2015

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Click on the book covers to read more about them.

Finished Listening

Just ok for me, but football or sports fans may enjoy it. 

Finished Reading

Would recommend for grades 5+.

Loved this book of poetry. Check back on Friday for a full review. 

This is an absolutely excellent nonfiction book. Full review on Wednesday.

Loved, loved, loved....

The kind of book you plow through because it is so 

good and then you are sad that it is over. 

Full review soon. 

Did I mention that I loved it??

Currently Reading

Excellent so far!

What Are YOU Reading Friends?

Recent posts:

Review of Wonton and Chopstick: A Cat and Dog Tale Told in Haiku

Review of Izzy Barr, Running Star

Celebrate This Week-July 4, 2015

Every week, Ruth Ayres over at Discover. Play. Build. invites people to share celebrations from their week.  Please visit and consider linking up your own celebration. 

Thanks to Ruth for providing a platform for me to share my big and small celebrations. 

Today I celebrate this.

Although we are not a perfect country and have a long way to go in many areas, we have freedoms, rights and privileges that are not available to everyone. I celebrate the people who fought and continue to fight for our independence. 

Happy Independence Day!