Blog Tour: The Universe of Fair by Leslie Bulion Book Review

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Miller Sanford can hardly wait for the fall fair. H. As a sixth grader, he's sure this is the year his parents will think he is responsible enough to go alone with his best friend, Lewis. Visions of fair food, games and rides dance in his head, setting him up for what is sure will be the best fair ever.

Things don't go exactly as planned when Miller gets stuck with his 6-year-old pain of a sister Penny, and her friends and accidentally feeds them his father's potential blue ribbon pie entry. 

If that weren't bad enough, his parents have something come up and can't take them to the fair and won't let Miller go alone. After waiting for another mom to take them, Miller gives up and takes Penny and her two friends to the fair by himself.

The fair turns out to be nothing like Miller had envisioned. With no rides, no food and no money after using all of it taking care of the younger children, Miller learns the true meaning of responsibility. 

Through humor and charm, Leslie Bulion brings the sounds and tastes of a small town fair alive in a heartwarming story that captures the essence of friendship, loyalty and the value of family. Frank Dormar's lively black and white illustrations complete this endearing tale. 

Enthusiastically recommended for the middle grade reader, but will appeal to the younger reader as well. Would also make a great read aloud book for families.

Publishing Information

• Publisher: Peachtree Publishing (Aug. 1, 2012)
• Pages: 264
• ISBN 13: 978-1-56145-634-5: 
• Ages: 8-12

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

Want to win a copy of this book? Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms and agree to them including having your name published as the winner. Contest ends Oct. 30, 2012 at 11:59 EST


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**Per FTC regulations, I received a copy of the book at no charge to facilitate the review. No other compensation was received. Prize fulfillment is by the Peachtree Publisher.

Book Review: The River of No Return by J&P Voelkel

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Max Murphy can finally rest easy. In Italy, halfway across the world from the Maya Death Lords, Max can hang out with friends and eat his mom's new invention, Pizza Gelato. Nothing to worry about, right? That is until his gondola ride ends up in a fight with an octopus who tries to drag Max into the Underworld. The Death Lords have no intention of letting Max off that easily.

Max reunites with Lola, the mysterious Maya girl, in Central America. Together, along with the howler monkeys Lord-6 Dog and Lady Coco, they embark down the Monkey River while trying to outrun a hurricane. The river leads them to what is supposed to be a luxury hotel. The hotel turns out to be a frightening underground hotel of the Death Lords. Here they are given a series of tests which concludes with an ancient Maya ballgame Lola and Max must play to survive. But, what happens when it's a game you can't win? Lola and Max are about to find out.

Authors, Jon and Pamela Voelkel, continue the Jaguer Stones Series with an action packed sequel in The River of No Return which will not disappoint fans of the previous books. Especially intriguing are the secrets held by Max and Lola and the artful way those secrets are slowly revealed. The authors weave together the Maya culture and history in way that will spark the interest of young readers without boring them. The allure of the jungles of Central awaits in an Indiana Jones type adventure. Recommended as a solid, middle grade series for the action adventure lover.


Publishing Information

• Publisher: EgmontUSA  (Sept. 25, 2012)
• Pages 352
• ISBN-13: 9781606840733
• Series: The Jaguar Stones, Book Three

This book can be purchased from the following retailers:

**Per FTC regulations: I received a Advanced Reader's copy of the book from the publisher to facilitate the review as a member of online media. No other compensation was received and I reserve the right to give my honest opinions about the book. I do not accept books for review if I am asked to give a positive review in exchange for the book. Advanced Reader's copies have no monetary value.

The Tide Changers by Sandy Green Book Review

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Since his dad's disappearance in a scuba diving accidents three years earlier, thirteen-year-old Ford Kahr has avoided the water. Strange, since his older brother Jag is a swimming champion and his sister has an unexplained connection to the water.

When Jag swims to investigate the disappearing island, an accident forces Ford to leave behind his fears to save his brother. A shocking discovery about himself leads him to an surprising underwater discovery that helps him understand the legends of sea monsters and undersea people. However, it also leads to grave danger and tough choices for Ford and his sister, Mercy.

Author Sandy Green paints a clear picture of a realistic picture of an underwater fantasy world. What started slow ended up in an action paced adventure suitable for the middle grade reader ages 8-12. While The Tide Changers may appeal to the reluctant reader who likes shorter novels, the ending felt rushed, missing out on great potential. However, it did leave an opening for a sequel. Good to Recommended.

Publishing Information

• Publisher: Penumbra Publishing (Dec. 19, 2011)
• Pages: 136 paperback
• ISBN-10: 193556377
• ISBN-13: 978-193556377

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Vordak The Incomprehensible #3 Double Trouble: Book Review

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Muahahaha! It is with great evil pleasure that I tell you the nefarious Vordak the Incomprehensible is back. Try as you must to escape his lair, you'll be sucked into his sinister plan to rule the world.

Lucky for you, The Blue Buzzard challenges Vordak to enter a contest for evil villians and their sons. Instead of hatching his brilliant plan to rule the world, Vordak must find a way to produce a son and rise to the challenge.

When Vordak enlists the help of a cloning scientist name Fred, the comic style book takes a a turn from funny to hilarious. A string of accidents in the Cloning Chamber produce an army of scientists, all named Fred, who will have you splitting your sides with laughter. 

By drawing you, the reader, into his wicked world, Vordak,(ahem... I mean the author, Scott Seegert with the help of illustrator, John Martin) get it right in Double Trouble with their mix of comic style storytelling. The third book in the Vorkak The Incomprehensible Seriers is a definite must read for the comic book and humor lover. Highly recommended for ages 9-12. Just don't say I didn't warn you that the supervillian might be more fun to read about than the good guy.

Publishing Information:

• Publisher: Egmont, USA (Aug. 28 2012)
• Ages: 9 and up
• Pages: 192
• ISBN: 978-1-60684-372-7 & 978-1-60684-373-4

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