Book Blast + Giveaway: Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee

Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet
Author: Barbara Dee
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: September 27, 2022
Language: English

Description:

Twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs can’t stop thinking about the climate crisis. In fact, her anxiety about the state of the planet is starting to interfere with her schoolwork, her friendships, even her sleep. She can’t stop wondering why grownups aren’t even trying to solve the earth’s problem—and if there’s anything meaningful that she, as a seventh grader, can contribute.

When Haven’s social studies teacher urges her to find a specific, manageable way to make a difference to the planet, Haven focuses on the annual science class project at the local Belmont River, where her class will take samples of the water to analyze. Students have been doing the project for years, and her older brother tells her that his favorite part was studying and catching frogs. 

But when Haven and her classmates get to the river, there’s no sign of frogs or other wildlife—but there is ample evidence of pollution. The only thing that’s changed by the river is the opening of Gemba, the new factory where Haven’s dad works. It doesn’t take much investigation before Haven is convinced Gemba is behind the slow pollution of the river.

She’s determined to expose Gemba and force them to clean up their act. But when it becomes clear taking action might put her dad’s job—and some friendships—in jeopardy, Haven must decide how far she’s willing to go.

Praise for HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET:

"A powerful depiction of the impact of climate change on a young activist’s mental health." —Kirkus Reviews

 

You can purchase Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Carolyn Simpson

Barbara Dee is the author of twelve middle grade novels including Violets Are Blue, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

Social Links:

Website: https://barbaradeebooks.com/
Twitter: @Barbaradee2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/108235.Barbara_Dee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.dee2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaradeebooks/

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Book Blast + Giveaway: Red Deception by Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller

 

 

Red Deception

Author: Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller
Publisher: Beaufort Books
Publication Date: June 22, 2021

Description:

 

Intelligence experts and thriller authors concur: Red Deception is “A page-turner by authors who might as well sit on the National Security Council.”

When terrorists bomb bridges across the country and threaten the Hoover Dam, the vulnerability of America's infrastructure becomes a matter of national security. But Dan Reilly, a former Army intelligence officer, predicted the attacks in a secret State Department report written years earlier—a virtual blueprint for disaster, somehow leaked and now in the hands of foreign operatives.

With Washington distracted by domestic crises, Russian President Nicolai Gorshkov sends troops to the borders of Ukraine and Latvia, ready to reclaim what he feels is Russia's rightful territory. Tensions in Europe threaten to boil over as a besieged American president balances multiple crises that threaten to upend the geopolitical order.

This is the chaos into which Reilly leaps headfirst. Reilly's position as Global Head of Security for the Kensington Royal Hotel Corporation means he must keep his customers and staff safe as the crisis envelopes countries across three continents. His past as a State Department analyst means he recognizes the connections behind the seemingly disparate terror attacks, assassination plots, and authoritarian power plays that dominate the headlines. But it's the very knowledge that makes him good at his job that also makes him a target—to the press, to the government, and to the forces gathering for another assault on America.

Follow Reilly as he travels the world to safeguard both his company's assets and his country's secrets. With the US at the mercy of an egomaniacal leader, and reporters and covert agents on his tail, he may be the one man who can connect the dots before an even bigger catastrophe unfolds.

RED DECEPTION is the second book in the RED Hotel series.

 

Praise for RED DECEPTION:

"Forget 'ripped from the headlines,' because RED DECEPTION threatens to write its own! RED DECEPTION is everything a great thriller is supposed to be! High stakes, incredible action scenes, a deadly plot, and a dynamic hero in Dan Reilly. Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller have crafted a relentlessly riveting tale that hones in on our greatest fears and takes us right to the brink in breathless fashion." —Jon Land, USA Today best-selling author

“RED DECEPTION provides an in-depth and realistic ground level view of the type of asymmetric Nation-state sponsored threats faced by the Agencies tasked with protecting the United States both domestically and abroad. Thoroughly researched with thrilling pacing, it follows a worst case scenario with the resulting fallout and a complex investigation that unfolds all over the Globe.” —Edward Bradstreet, Special Agent, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

“Besides keeping us on the edge of our seats, RED DECEPTION is so prescient, filled with deep insights into the real worlds of espionage and politics, while giving us a window that sheds light onto the darkest aspects of political intrigue and human nature.” —Barry Kibrick, Host of national PBS series, Between the Lines

You can purchase Red Deception at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Gary Grossman & Ed Fuller

ED FULLER is CEO of Laguna Strategic Advisors, a global consortium providing business consulting services worldwide. He has served on both business and charitable boards during his forty-year career with Marriott International where he was chief marketing officer followed by 22 years as president and managing director of Marriott International.

Under his management the international division grew from 16 to 550 hotels in 73 countries with 80,000 associates and sales of 8 billion dollars. Upon retirement, Ed repurposed his career in several arenas. He has served on five university boards as well as adjunct professor for both MBA and undergraduate students. For over four years he was a blogger for Forbes and other tourism and lodging industry media.

As author Ed published ‘You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk’ in English, Japanese and Chinese distributed throughout the world. In 2018 he and co-author Gary Grossman released their high energy thriller Red Hotel and in 2021 will release Red Deception, followed by Red Chaos as part of the Red Hotel series. Ed served as an Army captain in both Germany and Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation medals. He and his wife Michela reside in Orange County, California.

 

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

GARY GROSSMAN’s first novel, Executive Actions, propelled him into the world of geopolitical thrillers. Executive Treason, Executive Command, and Executive Force further tapped Grossman’s experience as a journalist, newspaper columnist, documentary television producer, reporter, and media historian.

In addition to the bestselling Executive series, Grossman wrote the international award-winning Old Earth, a geological thriller that spans all of time. With Red Hotel and Red Deception, his collaborations with Ed Fuller, Grossman entered a new realm of globe-hopping thriller writing.

Grossman has contributed to the New York Times and the Boston Globe, and was a columnist for the Boston Herald American. He covered presidential campaigns for WBZ-TV in Boston. A multiple Emmy series and specials for networks including NBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox, History Channel, Discovery and National Geographic Channel. He served as chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors, and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and Military Writers Society of America. He is a trustee at Emerson College and serves on the Boston University Metropolitan College Advisory Board. Grossman has taught at Emerson College, Boston University, USC, and currently teaches at Loyola Marymount University. 

 

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Book Blast + Giveaway: The Tiger's Nest by Trudi Trueit

 

 

The Tiger's Nest (Explorer Academy)

Author: Trudi Trueit

Release Date: January 5, 2021

Publisher : Under the Stars
Language : English
Hardcover : 216 pages
ISBN-10 : 1426338627
ISBN-13 : 978-1426338625

 

Description:

 

On an island nation in the Indian Ocean, the explorers venture through a vast underwater world and take part in a friendly robotics competition. But the tides of good fortune change quickly. Suddenly, Team Cousteau jumps into action to rescue a faculty member from the brink of death. Meanwhile, the team follows Cruz's mother's clues to a magnificent tomb and center of spirituality precariously perched on the side of a cliff. There, Cruz is confronted by a familiar foe who's determined to stop him from completing his most important mission of all: Retrieving the final pieces of his mother's cipher. In this life-or-death showdown, Cruz witnesses the ultimate sacrifice and uncovers a hidden message that makes him question his own mortality.

Praise for the EXPLORER ACADEMY Series:

“Inspired by the adventures and research of real-life National Geographic explorers, Explorer Academy is exciting and smart. Readers get to meet a diverse, capable, curious crew as well as their amazing instructors. A dangerous side mission adds to the thrills!” —Karen Bokram, Editor-in-Chief, Girls’ Life

"Explorer Academy is sure to awaken readers' inner adventurer and curiosity about the world around them. But you don't have to take my word for it, check out Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, and Lani's adventures for yourself!" —LeVar Burton, host of Reading Rainbow and LeVar Burton Reads

"Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.” —James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and acclaimed film-maker

You can purchase The Tiger's Nest at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Trudi Trueit

Trudi Trueit imagined a career as a novelist ever since writing her first play in the fourth grade. A former TV news reporter and weather forecaster, Trudi has published more than 100 fiction and nonfiction books for young readers. Trudi’s middle grade fiction books include the top selling Explorer Academy series for National Geographic (2018 to present), as well as My Top Secret Dares & Don’ts, The Sister Solution, Stealing Popular, and the Secrets of a Lab Rat series (Aladdin). Trudi’s numerous nonfiction titles cover such diverse topics as history, weather, wildlife, earth science, writing, education, and health. Recent releases include Detecting Avalanches & Detecting Volcanic Eruptions (FOCUS Readers); Giant Pandas, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears from the Wild Bears series (Amicus). Born and raised in the Seattle area, Trudi has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She currently lives in Everett, WA with her husband, Bill, a high school teacher. She loves photography, art, and serving the whims of her cats.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.truditrueit.com/
Twitter: @truditrueit
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/259362.Trudi_Trueit
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/truditrueit
 

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Book Blast + Giveaway: Rosie Loves Jack by Mel Darbon

Rosie Loves Jack
Author: Mel Darbon
Release Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher : Peachtree Publishing Company
Language : English
Hardcover : 320 pages
ISBN-10 : 168263289X
ISBN-13 : 978-1682632895

Description:

Rosie loves Jack. Jack loves Rosie. So when they're separated, Rosie will do anything to find the boy who makes the sun shine in her head. Even defy her parents’ orders and run away from home. Even struggle across London and travel to Brighton on her own, though the trains are cancelled and the snow is falling. Even though people might think a girl like Rosie, who has Down syndrome, could never survive on her own.

Introducing a strong and determined protagonist with Down syndrome, debut author Mel Darbon gives readers an underrepresented but much-needed point of view with a voice-driven, heartfelt story of finding your place an often big and intimidating world. 

Praise for ROSIE LOVES JACK:

“The plot is so engrossing that the book is almost impossible to put down. Yes, Rosie loves Jack, and readers are going to love Rosie.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“An enthralling story of resolve and grit... a moving and uplifting novel.” ―The Guardian (UK)

You can purchase Rosie Loves Jack at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Mel Darbon

Mel Darbon spent a large part of her childhood inventing stories to keep her autistic brother happy on car journeys. She won’t mention the time spent with him standing by level crossings waiting for the InterCity 125 to go past, as she wouldn’t want to be labelled a train spotter. Life took her in many different directions working as a theatre designer and freelance artist, as well as teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums. She moved to Bath in 2014 with her husband and their dog, Alfie. Rosie Loves Jack is her debut book.

 

Author Links:

Twitter: @DarbonMel

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17834148.Mel_Darbon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mel.darbon.5
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meldarbon/

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Book Blast + Giveaway: One Step Further by Katherine Johnson, Joylette Hylick, Katherine Moore

 

One Step Further
Author: Katherine Johnson, Joylette Hylick, and Katherine Moore
Release Date: January 5, 2021
Publisher : National Geographic Kids
Language : English
Hardcover : 48 pages
ISBN-10 : 1426371934
ISBN-13 : 978-1426371936

Description:

This inspirational picture book reveals what is was like for a young black mother of three to navigate the difficult world of the 1950s and 60s and to succeed in an unwelcoming industry to become one of the now legendary "hidden figures" of NASA computing and space research.

Johnson''s own empowering narrative is complemented by the recollections of her two daughters about their mother''s work and insights about how she illuminated their paths, including one daughter''s fight for civil rights and another''s journey to become a NASA mathematician herself. The narrative gracefully weaves together Johnson''s personal story, her influence on her daughters'' formative years, her and her daughters'' fight for civil rights, and her lasting impact on NASA and space exploration. Filled with personal reflections, exclusive family archival photos, and striking illustrations, readers will be immersed in this deeply personal portrayal of female empowerment, women in STEM, and the breaking down of race barriers across generations. Historical notes, photo/illustration notes, and a time line put the story into historical and modern-day context.

The inspirational tale of Johnson''s perseverance is both intimate and global, showcasing the drive of each generation to push one step further than the last. With its evocative family album-style format and novel approach to storytelling, One Step Further is sure to inspire the next generation of rising stars. 

Praise for ONE STEP FURTHER:

Engaging, collage-style art augments the text, with speech bubbles, archival family photographs, and Barlow’s child-friendly illustrations. Concurrently accessible and intimate, this book will both inform readers and inspire them to reach for the stars. ―Publishers Weekly

A concise, engaging story of a Black family in the South during the Civil Rights era. ―Booklist

The blend of Johnson’s and her daughters’ voices is intimate and inspiring —Hornbook

You can purchase One Step Further at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from National Geographic Kids

Katherine Johnson was an American mathematician whose calculations of orbital mechanics as a NASA employee were critical to the success of the first and subsequent U.S. crewed spaceflights. She calculated and analyzed the flight paths of many spacecraft during her more than three decades with the U.S. space program, and her work helped send astronauts to the moon. She died on February 24, 2020.

ABOUT THE CO-AUTHORS:
Joylette Goble Hylick and Katherine Goble Moore grew up during the space race of the 1960s but never fully grasped their mother’s role in it until years later. Hylick graduated from Hampton University and received a Master’s at Drexel University. She followed in her mother’s footsteps, working at NASA as a mathematician before taking a job with Lockheed Martin as a Senior Requirements Engineer. She lives today in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. After attending Bennett College and Hampton University, and receiving a Masters of Science in Information Systems from Montclair State University (formerly Montclair State College), Moore spent 33 years working in public education as an educator and guidance counselor in New Jersey. She currently resides in Greensboro, North Carolina.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
CHARNELLE PINKNEY BARLOW, granddaughter of Caldecott-winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney, was surrounded by art as a child. Her passion for illustration grew after being introduced to the world of watercolors. She received her BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

 

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Book Blast + Giveaway: Pretty Funny for a Girl by Rebecca Elliott

 

 

 

Pretty Funny for a Girl
Author: Rebecca Elliott
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing
Hardcover: 384 pages
ISBN-10: 1682631478
ISBN-13: 978-1682631478
Language: English

Description:

A candid and laugh-out-loud journey of family, friends, and fierce mistakes.

Haylah Swinton is an ace best friend, a loving daughter, and an incredibly patient sister to a four-year-old nutcase of a brother. Best of all, she's pretty confident she's mastered making light of every situation--from her mom's new boyfriend to unsolicited remarks on her plus-sized figure. Haylah's learning to embrace all of her curvy parts and, besides, she has a secret: one day, she'll be a stand-up comedian star.

So when impossibly cool and thirstalicious Leo reveals he's also into comedy, Haylah jumps at the chance to ghost-write his sets. But is Leo as interested in returning the favor? Even though her friends warn her of Leo's intentions, Haylah's not ready to listen--and she might just be digging herself deeper toward heartbreak. If Haylah's ever going to step into the spotlight, first she'll need to find the confidence to put herself out there and strut like the boss she really is.

Rebecca Elliott's hilarious and authentic narrative voice is sure to capture readers' hearts as her plus-sized, teenage heroine navigates learning to love the body she's in while dealing with friends, family, and boys.

Praise for PRETTY FUNNY FOR A GIRL:

“Elliott, who has previously published picture books and early readers, nails the voice and persona of a high school girl…. A good purchase for libraries that need coming-of-age books centering body-positivity.” ―School Library Journal

“A feel-good story featuring a narrator who’s likable and genuinely funny, even at her most self-deprecating. Dreams, being true to oneself, body-image issues, single parenting, family dynamics, self-confidence, and a realistic depiction of friendship make this a refreshing coming-of-age read full of optimism, dreams, and plenty of stereotype-smashing laughs. A natural pick for Dumplin’ (2015) fans.” ―Booklist

“Sharp, funny… The working-class British milieu feels freshly wrought, and Elliott’s characters are well balanced… [Haylah’s] comedy routine, though at times self-deprecating, also flips some stereotypes.” ―Publishers Weekly

You can purchase Pretty Funny for a Girl at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Rebecca Elliott

Rebecca Elliott was not so much born as assembled from potatoes, cat hair and sarcasm in Suffolk quite a few years ago. A school project of Rebecca's from the age of 6 reads, "When I grow up I want to write and draw books", clearly a precocious little brat but still, if nothing else it proves that when she's made a decision she really can't be bothered to change it. After a 'brief' detour from this career plan involving wanting to be Stephen Fry, a degree in philosophy and a dull office job, she finally got round to doing the whole book thing .

Since then she has become an award-winning (you won’t have heard of the award but come on, that sounds good, right?)and bestselling author of over 30 books for children. These include Just Because, a book about her daughter who had severe special needs and her ongoing series Owl Diaries which has sold 6 million copies worldwide. Her new YA novel, 'Pretty Funny' is due out in March 2020. (Published by Penguin, like actual Penguin. Which is dream-come-true awesome) And her mum really likes it.

When she's not story-making she can be found reading (everyone puts that as a hobby but really, I mean who doesn’t read? Even if its just the TV guide?), loudly venting her issues on the drums, singing in her band, painting pictures only she appreciates, at the movies (again, everyone, right?), podcasting or just hanging out with her husband Matthew (a history teacher), her children (professional monkey-boys), chickens (egg production executives) and cat Bernard (currently unemployed).

Author Links:

Website: https://www.rebeccaelliott.com/
Twitter: @BecElliott  
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/391377.Rebecca_Elliott
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccaelliottauthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebecca_elliott_author/ 

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Book Blast + Giveaway: Sing Like No One's Listening by Vanessa Jones

 

 

 

Sing Like No One's Listening
Author: Vanessa Jones
Release Date: September 1, 2020
Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
Hardcover: 384 pages

Description:

A moving story of grief and healing - sure to be a pure joy for any musical theater aficionado.

Nettie Delaney has just been accepted into a prestigious performing arts school--the very same school her superstar mother attended. With her mother's shadow hanging over her, Nettie has her work cut out for her--and everyone is watching. To make matters worse, Nettie hasn't been able to sing a single note since her mother died. Whenever she tries, she just clams up. But if Nettie's going to survive a demanding first year and keep her place in a highly coveted program, she'll have to work through her grief and deliver a showstopper or face expulsion.

All may not be lost, however, when Nettie stumbles upon a mysterious piano player in an empty studio after class. Masked behind a curtain, can Nettie summon the courage to find her voice? Or will the pressure and anxiety of performing come crashing down?

All about finding and raising your voice, and not throwing away your shot, Vanessa Jones's well-crafted journey of grief and healing will pull readers along with its strong narrative voice and satisfying sense of mystery.  

Praise for SING LIKE NO ONE'S LISTENING:

"“Anglophiles, music and theater nerds, and those looking for some classic will-they-won’t-they romance will all find something to enjoy here. Jones writes her subject matter authentically, with obvious passion to balance the professional arts’ not-so-pretty struggles…. A touching portrait of healing after loss.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Jones' novel has the expected Fame vibes that will delight any reader who loves stories of aspiring young stars learning their craft, but its exploration of Nettie's complexities makes the story unique…. Jones offsets the narrative’s weightier moments with light and quirky ones, making it a fast read with staying power.” ―Booklist

You can purchase Sing Like No One's Listening at the following Retailers:

 

Photo Content from Vanessa Jones

VANESSA JONES trained at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey, England and went on to be a musical theater actor on West End, performing in shows including Sister Act, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Annie Get Your Gun, and Mary Poppins. She began her writing career with a stage play for a fringe theater and works as a freelance copywriter and editor. She lives in England with her fellow chimney sweep.

Author Links:

Twitter: @NessJonesWrites 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1128153.Vanessa_Jones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vanessa-Jones-2205623043021474
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoneswrites/

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