Book Review & Giveaway: Rough Waters by S.L. Rottman

Tweet

After the death of their parents, Scott and his older brother, Gregg, are sent to live with an uncle they didn't know they had. Going from a bustling California suburb to a small town in Colorado proves to be difficult for both of them.

Their uncle puts them to work at his white-water rafting company to help make ends meet. Scott takes his job seriously and especially looks forward the days he gets to help on river trips. Though he revels in the thrill of the rapids, he also gains respect for the hazards the hidden in the white caps. Gregg, on the other hand, becomes rebellious. He experiments with drugs and alcohol and makes choices that not only endanger himself, but those around him as well.

Both boys struggle to learn how to survive on and off the water as they adjust to their new family dynamic. A budding romance brings welcome relief to the family tension. After getting past the cliche of having both parents die and discovering a long lost family member, the excitement picks up. Rottman's skill in describing the river adventures makes the reader feel as if they're part of the ride. The river becomes a thrilling place to learn that actions can have life changing consequences.  Recommended for the reluctant early young adult reader and will especially appeal to the outdoor adventure loving teen.


                                                             Publishing Information

Publisher: Peachtree Publishing (May, 2012)

ISBN 13: 978-1-56145-413-6

Ages: 13-17 (Grades 7-12)

Purchase from the following Retailers.

Giveaway Details: Winner will receive a paperback copy of Rough Waters. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the form and agree to them. Contest ends 4/2/2013 at 11:59 EST

**I received a copy of this book at no charge to facilitate the review. No monetary compensation was received and my review was in no way influenced by receiving a copy of the book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Fourth Stall Part III

Tweet

Mac and Vince have taken down their shingle in the fourth stall of the bathroom for good. As they start seventh grade, they enjoy their retirement from solving everybody's problems. Jimmy Two-Tone has offered a fifteen percent cut to take over their successful business and all they have to do is sit back and collect their pay.

t's not enough that their old nemesis, Staples, is back in town trying to cozy up to them so he can prove he's capable of taking over custody of his sister. It gets worse when all havoc breaks loose at their middle school. Mac and Vince try to get to the bottom of it and in doing so, uncover a plot to take down their school by Kinko, a third grade crime boss in the next town over. Will Mac and Vince have what it takes to stop the organized crime ring?

A fitting conclusion to The Fourth Stall Trilogy. The witty humor carries part III in story that fans of the protagonist, Mac, might find  a let-down compared to the previous installments. However, the hilarious quotes from Vince's grandma always balances out any disappointment in they story line. Fans of The Fourth Stall still won't want to miss this. Good to Recommended for the the budding crime novel enthusiast.

                                                       

   Publishing Information

Publisher: Waldon Pond Press (Feb. 2013)

ISBN 13: 978-0062120052

Pages: 304 hardcover

Ages: 8 and up

Purchase at the following:

**I received an ARC copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes only. ARC copies have no monetary value and in no way does receiving a review copy influence my reviews. No monetary compensation was received.

Are The Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

Tweet

It should be easy to believe that dinosaurs are dead, right? Wrong! Dave's trip to the museum with his dad proves that sometimes what you believe isn't always what you see. His dad's futile attempt to convince Dave that the bigger than life antics of the dinosaurs are a figment of his imagination proves that parents aren't always right. Too bad his dad has to wait until a larger than life Tyrannosaurus tries to eat them before he shouts "Run, Dave, RUN!"

Instead of the usual skeletal dinosaurs, Ayto's bright illustrations of the dinosaurs bodies, give life to the museum experience. Throw in the dinosaurs names on the pedestals and the amusing trip becomes a disguised learning opportunity. Recommended fun for a the young radar and a great read aloud for parents.

Purchase at the following retailers.

Publishing Information

• Publisher: Peathertree Publishers (March 2013)
• ISBN: 978-1-56145-690-1
• Ages: 4-8

GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Peachtree Publishing is generously offering one of my lucky readers a copy of Are The Dinosaurs Dead, Dad? by Julie Middleton & illustrator, Russell Ayto. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form found at the end of this post. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the Rafflecopter form and agree to them. Contest ends 3/10/2013 at 11:59 EST. 

**I received this book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle

Tweet

All of Nate Foster's dreams revolve around starring on Broadway. Living in a town like Jankburg, Pennsylvania doesn't present many opportunities for a thirteen year-old boy whose favorite pastime is singing Broadway tunes. When his best friend, Libby, discovers a casting call for the Broadway version of E.T.:The Musical, she encourages Nate to follow his passion and audition for the part of Elliot.

Together, Nate and Libby hatch an elaborate plan to escape Jankburg for an overnight trip to the Big Apple. Certainly he'll be back the next day with the part of Elliott in hand before anyone knows he's even missing, right? Unfortunately, even the best laid plans go awry.

The reader can't help but fall in love with Nate, idiosyncrasies and all, while he falls in love with New York. With a perfect dose of humor, debut author, Tim Federle, sets the stage for a standing ovation. The light-heartedness at the beginning of the novel, paves the way to the heavier issues of family relationships and sexuality. Full of adventure, unique characters and plenty of laughter, Better Nate Than Ever will have the young reader sneaking a flashlight under the covers into the wee hours of the night. Highly recommended for all those who have never really felt they have quite fit in.


Publishing Information

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (Feb. 5, 2013)
Ages: 9 and up
ISBN: 978-1442446892 
Pages: 288 (hardcover)

This book can be purchased through the following retailers:

**I received this book at no charge from the publisher to facilitate my review. No monetary compensation was received.