Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Book Giveaway: Itch by Simon Mayo

                       Book Giveaway: 
Itch The Explosive Adventure of an Element Hunter by Simon Mayo

Are you ready for a thrilling adventure? Are you looking for a great summer read? Be sure to read Itch by Simon Mayo. One of the best books I've read all year. You can enter now for your chance to win.

Giveaway Details: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them. Contest ends August 11, 2013 at 11:59 EST.

Be sure to check out my review of Itch.

**Contest prize will be provided by the publisher. 
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Saturday, July 27, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Itch: The Explosive Adventures of an Element Hunter:



**FTC Disclosure: I received the book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. My opinions are my own and not influenced by outside sources**

Itchingham "Itch" Lofte didn't mean to burn off his eyebrows. He also didn't mean to send his whole science class to the hospital with arsenic poisoning. When you take up a dangerous hobby like collecting elements from the periodic table, those things are inevitable. 

When Itch acquires a super radioactive rock, not yet discovered by scientists, he ends up in a harrowing adventure that makes his previous mishaps seem minor. The head of the science department confirms the rock is actually element number 126, one not ever seen before. It turns out scientists, as well as terrorist groups from all over the world, want the rock and the unsavory ones will stop at nothing to get it. With the help of his sister Chloe, female cousin Jack and even a beloved science teach, Itch races against death to make sure the new element does not fall in the wrong hands. When Itch tries to track down Cake, the element dealer he acquired the first rock from, he discovers the rock is not the only one. Unfortunately, there are seven more.The realization of the just how dangerous the element really is, gives Itch an urgency to keep it from those who want it.
 Itch exhibits an amazing level of maturity and moral courage, instantly elevating his status from science geek to reluctant hero. 

Simon Mayo's debut novel is one of the best adventures for middle schoolers I have read in years with an original premise and non-stop action that will have the reader on the edge of his seat. Strong female characters will appeal to girls as well. For ages 10-14 but overlaps into the young adult group.

Who knew that the periodic table could be so exciting? 

 Highly Recommended

Publishing Information:
Publisher: Splinter (April 2013)
Pages: 432 (hardcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4549-0509-7


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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Bad Unicorn by Platte Clarke: Book Review


Nothing seems special about Max Spencer, a seventh grader who never stood out. That is, until the book, Codex of Infinite Knowability ends up in his hands and he discovers that he is the only one who can read it.

The book holds powerful magical spells, so powerful that an evil sorcerer from another realm will do anything to get his hands on it. When he sends Princess the Destroyer on a mission to bring back the book, Max will have to learn to use the Codex to save himself and his friends from the hungry unicorn. The sorcerer promises Princess the unicorn all of the humans she can eat if she brings back the book. Will Max have what it takes to fend off the man eating beast?

Though witty humor lifts Bad Unicorn and will give the reader plenty of chuckles, the target audience may be a little young to get some of the jokes, especially the ones that reference Al Gore. Author Platte Clark, creates a twisted magical world which proves intriguing but falls short on producing a likable protagonist and sidekicks. However, a riveting climax helps lift an otherwise rambling story. Nevertheless, those who love twits in fantasy laced with humor, may enjoy this book.

Good to Recommended for the upper middle grade fantasy reader.

Publishing Information

Publisher: Aladdin (April 16, 2013)
ISBN: 9781442450127
Pages: 432


This book can be purchased from the following retailers:



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**I received a reader's copy at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review.